IP45 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 9K). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
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)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP45 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.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.