IP40 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 9K). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with 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
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP40 and IP49K share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP49K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9). IP49K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.