IP55 vs IP29K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP29K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 9K). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP29K provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm 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 2 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
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP29K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP29K
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP29K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP29K
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP29K)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP29K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.