IP35 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP35 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 9K). IP35 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
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)
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP35
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP35
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP35
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP35
Yes
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP35 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP69K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP35. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP35 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.