IP64 vs IP29K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP29K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 9K). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP29K provides > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
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)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP29K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP29K
Yes
Submersible
IP64
No
IP29K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP29K
Yes
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP29K)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP29K provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP64. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP64 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.