IP49K vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 7). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP49K vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP49K is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP49K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IPX7. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IPX7 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.