IP49K vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
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)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP49K vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Both IP49K and IP69K share the same liquid protection: High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP49K. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP49K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.