IP19K vs IP68
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP68 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 8). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP68 provides dust-tight 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.
IP68 is dust-tight and protects against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (typically deeper than 1 meter for prolonged periods). The standard for submersible and marine equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP68
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP68
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP68
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP68
Yes
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP68
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP68
Yes
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP68)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP68
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP68 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP68 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP68
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP68 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP19K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP68 offers higher overall protection than IP19K. Choose IP68 for harsher environments; IP19K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.