IP15 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 9K). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
IP69K is dust-tight and resists high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. The highest IP rating, required for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical washdown environments.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP69K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.