IP28 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 9K). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
IP39K is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP39K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP28. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP28 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.