IP69K vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP69K and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 3). IP69K is rated for dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP69K
Yes
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP69K
Yes
IP23
No
Submersible
IP69K
Yes
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP69K
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP69K vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP69K is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP23 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 IP23. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.