IP69K vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP69K and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 5). IP69K is rated for dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP69K
Yes
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP69K
Yes
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP69K
Yes
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP69K
Yes
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP69K vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP69K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP69K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP35. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP35 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.