IP32 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
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)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP32 and IP39K share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.