IP39K vs IP58
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP58 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 8). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP58 provides dust-protected 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.
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP58
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP58
Yes
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP58
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP58
Yes
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP58)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP58 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP58 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
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP39K. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP39K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.