IP49K vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 0). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP49K vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP49K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP49K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP5X. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.