IP43 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 9K). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP69K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.