IP34 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 9K). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP34
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP49K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.