IP22 vs IP19K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP19K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP19K provides > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP19K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP19K
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP19K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP19K
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP19K)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP19K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.