IP40 vs IP29K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP29K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 9K). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP29K provides > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP29K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP29K
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP29K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP29K
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP29K)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP29K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9). IP29K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.