IP67 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 9K). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
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)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP67 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP67 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.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP39K. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP39K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.