IP33 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 9K). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP33 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 IP33. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.