IP39K vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 7). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP39K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K and IP57 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.