IP69K vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP69K and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4). IP69K is rated for dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP69K
Yes
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP69K
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP69K
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP69K
Yes
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP69K vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP69K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Both IP69K and IP49K share the same liquid protection: High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP49K. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP49K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.