IP20 vs IP19K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP19K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 9K). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP19K provides > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP19K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP19K
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP19K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP19K
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP19K)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP20 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP19K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9). IP19K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.