IP29K vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 0). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
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.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP29K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP29K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.