IP03 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 9K). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP69K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.