IP22 vs IP59K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP59K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP59K provides dust-protected 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.
The IP59K classification guarantees dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) 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 5 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
IP59K
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP59K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP59K
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP59K
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP59K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP59K
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP59K)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP59K
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP59K provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP59K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP59K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP59K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP59K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP59K offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP59K for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.