IP19K vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 0). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
Under IEC 60529, IP19K specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP19K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP19K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.