IP29K vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 5). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP29K vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP29K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP29K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.