IP23 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 9K). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP23 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 IP23. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.