IP43 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 9K). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.