IP57 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 9K). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
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)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP57 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 IP57. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP57 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.