IP19K vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 8). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP19K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP19K. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP19K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.