IP69K vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP69K and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 7). IP69K is rated for dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 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
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP69K
Yes
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP69K
Yes
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP69K
Yes
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP69K
Yes
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP69K vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP69K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP37 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 IP37. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.