Published in: Food processing and pharmaceutical equipment

IP67 vs. IP68 vs. IP69K: Understanding the Key Differences

Published on: 4. January 2025

IP67 vs. IP68 vs. IP69K: Understanding the Key Differences in Protection Standards

In industrial and commercial environments, equipment and components are often exposed to harsh conditions, including dust, water, and extreme temperatures. To ensure durability and reliability, components are rated based on their ingress protection (IP) standards. Among the most commonly discussed ratings are IP67, IP68 and IP69K. Each of these ratings indicates a specific level of resistance to solids and liquids, but understanding their distinctions is crucial for selecting the right equipment for your needs.

Download our catalogue here

See our IP67, IP68 and IP69K components here

Product Line Contact

What Are IP Ratings?

IP ratings, established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), provide a standardized method to define the level of protection offered by an enclosure. The rating consists of two digits:

The first digit indicates protection against solids, such as dust and debris, on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight).
The second digit indicates protection against liquids, on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 9K (high-pressure, high-temperature water).

Breaking Down IP67, IP68 and IP69K

IP67: Protection for Most Industrial Needs

IP67-rated components are both dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water. They are ideal for applications where occasional exposure to water or wet cleaning is expected.

Solid Protection: Dust-tight (6).
Water Protection: Immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes (7).
Applications: IP67-rated components are commonly used in food processing, packaging, and pharmaceutical industries, where splash resistance and temporary submersion are crucial.

IP68: Enhanced Water Resistance

IP68 offers the same dust-tight protection as IP67 but enhances water resistance, making it suitable for prolonged immersion at depths beyond 1 meter. The exact depth and duration depend on manufacturer specifications.

Solid Protection: Dust-tight (6).
Water Protection: Continuous immersion, typically up to 3 meters or more.
Applications: These components are used in industries such as underwater robotics, outdoor lighting, and marine equipment, where prolonged exposure to water is inevitable.

IP69K: The Ultimate in Protection

IP69K is the highest level of ingress protection, designed to withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, as well as dust and other solids. This makes it indispensable for environments with rigorous cleaning protocols.

Solid Protection: Dust-tight (6).
Water Protection: High-pressure, high-temperature water jets (9K).
Applications: Commonly used in industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and automotive manufacturing, where hygienic design and resistance to extreme cleaning are mandatory.

Choosing the Right Rating for Your Industry

Food Processing and Packaging

In the food and beverage industry, hygiene and cleanliness are non-negotiable. Equipment often undergoes frequent high-pressure cleaning with hot water and chemicals. IP69K-rated components are essential in these settings to prevent contamination and maintain compliance with strict sanitation standards.

Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology

Pharmaceutical environments demand components that resist both dust and liquids while adhering to hygienic design principles. IP67-rated components are often sufficient for equipment that isn’t exposed to extreme cleaning, while IP69K is necessary for equipment that undergoes sterilization processes.

Outdoor and Marine Applications

For outdoor equipment such as surveillance cameras, lighting fixtures, and marine tools, IP68-rated components provide the durability needed to withstand prolonged water exposure. These components are designed to perform reliably even in submerged conditions.

Automotive and Heavy-Duty Applications

In automotive and heavy-duty applications, components are subjected to both dust and high-pressure cleaning. IP69K-rated devices, such as sensors and connectors, ensure long-term reliability in these challenging environments.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an IP Rating

Environmental Conditions: Assess the presence of dust, water, and cleaning requirements in your operational environment.
Cleaning Protocols: For industries with rigorous cleaning standards, such as food and pharmaceuticals, opt for IP69K-rated components.
Longevity and Maintenance: Higher-rated components often provide greater durability, reducing maintenance needs and downtime.
Cost vs. Benefit: While higher-rated components are more expensive, their reliability in extreme conditions often justifies the cost.

IP Ratings and Regulatory Compliance

Selecting components with appropriate IP ratings also ensures compliance with industry regulations. For instance, IP69K-rated components are often required to meet food safety standards like the FDA and EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) guidelines. This ensures not only protection but also adherence to legal and safety requirements.

Future Trends in Ingress Protection

As technology advances, the demand for robust and reliable components continues to grow. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on designing IP-rated components that combine protection with eco-friendliness, energy efficiency, and compatibility with Industry 4.0 technologies.

Smart Sensors: IP69K-rated smart sensors are emerging as essential components in automated food processing and packaging lines.
Eco-Friendly Materials: Sustainable materials that meet stringent IP ratings are becoming more common, particularly in industries prioritizing environmental responsibility.

IP67, IP68 and IP69K: Choosing the Right Protection Standard for Durability, Hygiene, and Performance”

Understanding the distinctions between IP67, IP68 and IP69K ratings is essential for selecting the right components for your industry. While IP67 is suitable for general industrial use, IP68 offers enhanced water resistance for specialized applications. IP69K stands out as the ultimate protection standard, particularly for environments requiring rigorous cleaning and hygiene.

By selecting the appropriate IP rating, industries can ensure durability, reliability, and compliance, ultimately optimizing performance and reducing downtime. Whether in food processing, pharmaceuticals, or marine applications, the right IP-rated component is a key investment in operational efficiency and longevity.