IP39K vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 1). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP41
No
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP41 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP39K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.