IP48 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 9K). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with 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)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP48 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 IP48. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP48 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.