IP57 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 9K). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
IP39K is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 and IP39K offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.