IP38 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 9K). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP69K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.