IP29K vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 7). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP29K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP29K. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP29K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.