IP39K vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 6). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP46 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP39K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.