IP49K vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 5). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP49K vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP49K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.