IP22 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP69K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.