IP32 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with 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
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP49K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.