IP69K vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP69K and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 8). IP69K is rated for dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP69K
Yes
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP69K
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP69K
Yes
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP69K
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP69K vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP69K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP69K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP48. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP48 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.