IP39K vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 7). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP67 provides dust-tight 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.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP67 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP67 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.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP39K. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP39K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.