IP55 vs IP59K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP59K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 9K). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP59K provides dust-protected 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 IP59K classification guarantees dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) 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 5 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
IP59K
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP59K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP59K
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP59K
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP59K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP59K
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP59K)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP59K
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP55 and IP59K share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP59K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP59K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP59K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP59K offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP59K for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.