IP49K vs IP58
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IP58 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 8). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP58 provides dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IP58
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IP58
Yes
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IP58
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IP58
Yes
The exact difference (IP49K vs IP58)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP58 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP49K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K and IP58 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.