IP37 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 9K). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP69K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP37. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.