IP59K vs IP68
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP59K and IP68 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 8). IP59K is rated for dust-protected and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP68 provides dust-tight and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
The IP59K classification guarantees dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
IP68 is dust-tight and protects against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (typically deeper than 1 meter for prolonged periods). The standard for submersible and marine equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP59K
5 — Dust-Protected
IP68
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP59K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP68
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP59K
Limited
IP68
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP59K
Yes
IP68
Yes
Submersible
IP59K
Yes
IP68
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP59K
Yes
IP68
Yes
The exact difference (IP59K vs IP68)
Solid protection
IP59K
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP68
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP59K provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP68 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP68 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP59K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP68
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP59K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP68 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP59K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP59K and IP68 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.