IP69K vs IP27
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP69K and IP27 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 7). IP69K is rated for dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP27 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP69K
Yes
IP27
No
Water-jet resistant
IP69K
Yes
IP27
Yes
Submersible
IP69K
Yes
IP27
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP69K
Yes
IP27
Yes
The exact difference (IP69K vs IP27)
Solid protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP69K is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP69K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.