IP69K vs IP03
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP69K and IP03 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 3). IP69K is rated for dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP03 provides no protection and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
IP03
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP69K
Yes
IP03
No
Water-jet resistant
IP69K
Yes
IP03
No
Submersible
IP69K
Yes
IP03
No
Outdoor suitable
IP69K
Yes
IP03
No
The exact difference (IP69K vs IP03)
Solid protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP69K is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP69K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.