IP37 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 7 vs 9K). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP37 and IP39K share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP37. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.