IP40 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 9K). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP69K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9). IP69K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.