IP39K vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 8). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP39K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K and IP48 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.