Learn what the IP69K rating stands for, why it's advantageous to use these devices for specific areas of an industrial facility and how to ensure the entire device is IP69K rated.

1. WHAT IS IP69K?
AND A LOOK AT SOME INDUSTRIAL IP69K RATED DEVICES…

2. IP69K is a product standard rating developed to ensure that products carrying this
rating comply with required simulated environmental conditions. The initials “IP”
refer to “Ingress Protection”, which states that the device provides protection
against entry or “ingress” of solid objects and/or moisture.
WHAT IS IP69K?
The letter “K” refers to special testing with high-pressured water jets originally
developed for road vehicles and later adopted by food, beverage and other
industries that require frequent washdowns and sanitary conditions.
The rating’s numerical portion provides a reference to the
type of ingress protection the device provides. The first
number refers to the ingress limits for solids while the
second number refers to ingress limits for liquids.

3. WHAT IS IP69K? (C0NTINUED)
The following tables provides a reference for the “solids” numerical ratings:
SOLIDS
Rating Protection Limits Description
0 No Protection There is no protection from ingress of objects
1 Objects larger than 50mm No ingress of objects larger than 50mm (i.e., hands, but not fingers)
2 Objects larger than 12.5mm No ingress of objects larger than 12.5mm (i.e., fingers or similar)
3 Objects larger than 2.5mm No ingress of objects larger than 2.5mm (i.e., screwdriver or similar)
4 Objects larger than 1mm No ingress of objects larger than 1mm (i.e., wires, large bugs and similar)
5 Limited dust ingress protection No ingress of most dust particles but not complete ingress.
6 Full dust ingress protection No ingress of dust (dust tight). Surpasses previous protection limits.

4. WHAT IS IP69K? (C0NTINUED)
LIQUIDS
Rating Protection Limits Description
0 No Protection No protection from ingress of liquids
1 Straight water drops No vertical water dripping ingress (i.e., 1mm rainfall/min)
2 Water dripping at 15° angle No water drops at 15° angle ingress (i.e., 3mm rainfall/min)
3 Water dripping at 60° angle No water spray at any angle up to 60° ingress (i.e., water spray nozzle)
4 Water splash, all directions No water splashing from any angle ingress
5 Water jets No ingress from a 4.4PSI (0.3Bar) water jet at 3m distance from any angle
6 Powerful water jets No ingress from a 14.5PSI (1 Bar) water jet at 3m distance from any angle
6K Higher power water jets No ingress from a 145 PSI (10 Bar) water jet at 3m distance from any angle
7 Up to 1m water immersion No ingress from immersion of lowest part up to 1000mm below water surface
8 Over 1m water immersion No ingress from immersion of lowest part up to 3m below water surface
9K
High pressure and
temperature water jets
No ingress up to 1100 to 1450 PSI (80 to 100 bar) close range water jet
pressure with water up to 80° C. Surpasses previous protection limits.
The following tables provides a reference for the “liquids” numerical ratings:

5. Now that we understand the IP69K rating, we can see the advantages of using
these devices for specific areas of an industrial facility. The most common areas
requiring IP69K devices are areas where heavy washdowns are required.
WHY USE IP69K DEVICES?
Food and beverage facilities require frequent and
thorough washdowns of every surface in contact
with food to prevent dangerous contamination of
packaged products going to consumers. They
require washdowns with high pressure, high
temperatures and in some cases with a water and
chemical mix solution for proper disinfection.
Therefore, IP69K rated devices are a must
to prevent damage to electronic devices
and instrumentation during the washdown procedures.

6. Other areas where IP69K rated devices can be used are pharmaceutical industry,
medical equipment manufacturers and in medical facilities that use the equipment.
All these require clean and contaminant-free
environments, instruments and controls.
WHY USE IP69K DEVICES? (CONTINUED)
Since IP69K devices prevent entry of solid or
liquid contaminants, this ensures that no mold
or bacteria may develop inside a device due
to blood or other contaminants seeping into
the device.
In addition, these devices can be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
with solutions and cleaners without
risk of seepage.

7. When performing an internet search for IP69K rated devices, you will find many
devices that claim to be IP69K approved. While most are IP69K approved, you
should carefully read the descriptions and specifications of the device being
offered to ensure that the entire device is IP69K rated and not just a portion of it.
One misconception is that a NEMA 4 device is equal to an IP69K device. While it
is true that a NEMA 4 device or enclosure infers protection from water ingress
during a hosedown or wash, the test for NEMA 4 rating is performed with lower
water pressure and at a greater distance. Therefore, if a NEMA 4 device is
subjected to the high pressure wash and distance used to test IP69K devices,
water might infiltrate and damage the device, creating a safety hazard, or worse.
A LOOK AT IP69K RATED DEVICES:

8. A device classified with the IP69K rating
undergoes rigorous testing to satisfy the
requirements specified by DIN 40050 part 9
testing specifications.
As illustrated, the device is mounted on a
turntable rotating at 5 rpm. The device is
sprayed for 30 seconds per jet with water jets
positioned at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° angles at a
distance of 100 – 150 mm (4 – 6”), and at a
pressure of 1100 – 1500 psi (80 – 100 bar).
The water temperature is 80° C (176° F).
A LOOK AT IP69K RATED DEVICES:

9. AutomationDirect offers devices that are 100% IP69K rated and approved. Here’s a
list of devices offered:
• Schmersal pushbuttons, indicators, e-stops, selector switches, and accessories
• Patlite signal towers/stacklights
• IDEM safety switches, safety switch actuators, and e-stop control stations
• AutomationDirect and Contrinex proximity, photoelectric and magnetic sensors
• Sensor cables, micro cables and patch cables
• NITRA cylinder position indicating sensors
Additional devices may be found through the internet; however, do make sure to
verify that the rating applies to the full device and not just a component.
IP69K RATED DEVICES: (C0NTINUED)
AutomationDirect.com is constantly adding new products so
check our website for any new IP69K rated device releases.

10. Schmersal IP69K-Rated N Series 22mm Pilot Devices:
IP69K RATED DEVICES: (C0NTINUED)
Quality devices for simple operator control and
indication for industrial/commercial applications.
• IP69K-rated all-plastic design
• Specifically designed for food, beverage,
medical and pharmaceutical applications
• Smooth designs for easy and efficient cleanup
• Modular design for easy installation
• Assortment of pushbuttons, LED indicators,
selector switches and more
• Adapters available to retrofit larger sized cutouts
to 22mm while maintaining IP69K rating
Did you know that all these valuable features are available for practically the
same price as non-IP69K rated devices? Check it out at Go2adc.com/schmersal

11. Patlite IP69K-rated LS7 (WC9 models) LED Signal Tower/Stacklights:
IP69K RATED DEVICES: (C0NTINUED)
Provide illuminated and audible status indication for
machines, systems and processes.
• M12 connector quick-disconnect
• Smooth body design reduces water/dust adhesion
• Stackable design
• Quality construction with shock-resistant polycarbonate
construction
• No exposed metals, adaptable to many environments
• LED emits more efficient light
IP69K rating applies to WC9 models available in 70mm
diameter, 24VDC, and various tier, color and polarity
configurations. Learn more at go2adc.com/patlite

12. IDEM IP69K-rated Safety Switches:
These interlock systems include safety switches,
safety switch actuators, and emergency stop control
stations.
• 316 stainless steel interlock components and
e-stop control stations
• Plastic and stainless steel non-contact safety
switches
IP69K RATED DEVICES: (C0NTINUED)
Excellent safety devices for use in food, beverage,
and pharmaceutical industries.
Many configurations, options and accessories
available. Learn more at http://go2adc.com/pc-idem

13. AutomationDirect and Contrinex IP69K-rated Sensors:
IP69K RATED DEVICES: (C0NTINUED)
• Harsh-duty inductive proximity sensors detect ferrous
metal objects at several sensing distances
• Harsh-duty photoelectric sensors available in diffuse,
polarized reflective, retro-reflective and through-beam
styles. Made of 316L stainless steel and include LED status
lights and quick-disconnect.
• Magnetic proximity sensors used for non-contact object
detection beyond inductive sensors limits. Made of 316L
stainless steel and available in various detection distance
ratings and quick-disconnect termination.
Various specifications available
to fit your needs. Learn more at
http://go2adc.com/sensors-ip69k
• Sensor cables to supply power and exchange signals
with sensors and switches. Available in a variety of
connector styles, pole configurations and lengths.

14. NITRA Cylinder Position Switches:
These switches provide NITRA pneumatic
cylinders (with magnetic pistons) a cost-effective
interface between pneumatic actuators and
electrical control systems.
• They can provide position, cycle count, and
confirm operation of the cylinder
IP69K RATED DEVICES: (C0NTINUED)
Available only for cylinders with magnetic pistons and various sizes
and configurations. Check them out at http://go2adc.com/nitra-ip69k
• Solid-state switches superior
to reed switches
• No moving parts
for longer life span

15. 1-800-633-0405 www.AutomationDirect.com
WHERE? ALWAYS AT AUTOMATIONDIRECT.COM
HIGH-QUALITY IP69K DEVICES AT LOW PRICES