IP55 vs IP09K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP09K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 9K). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP09K provides no protection and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
The IP09K rating offers no protection against solid objects 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 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP09K
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP09K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP09K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP09K
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP09K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP09K
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP09K)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP09K
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP09K provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP09K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP09K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP09K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP09K. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP09K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.