IP19K vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 1). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP61
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP19K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.