IP39K vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 1). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP61
No
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP39K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.