IP45 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 9K). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
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)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP45 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.