IP27 vs IP59K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP59K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 9K). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP59K provides dust-protected and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP59K
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP59K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP59K
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP59K
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP59K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP59K
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP59K)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP59K
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP59K provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP59K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP59K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP59K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP59K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP59K offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP59K for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.