IP39K vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 3). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP39K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.