IP29K vs IP33
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP33 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 3). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP33 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°).
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP33
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP33
No
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP33
No
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP33
No
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP33)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP33 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP29K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP33. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.