IP38 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 8 vs 9K). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP38 and IP39K share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.