IP degree of protection - what does it mean?

Degrees of protection, also known as IP (Ingress Protection) standards, are international standards used to determine the level of protection a device offers against the ingress of foreign objects, such as dust and water. They are defined in the international standard IEC 60529.

IP code

The IP protection code is always composed of the invariable letter symbol "IP" followed by two characteristic digits. In some cases, two additional letters may appear at the end of the code - additional and complementary. When there is no need to specify a specific characteristic digit, it is replaced by the letter "X".

The first digit in the IP code refers to the degree of protection against solids, and the second - against water. Degrees of protection range from IP0 to IP69; the higher the number, the better the product or device is protected.

IP69 Standard – What Does it Mean? Complete Protection Against Dust and Strong Water Jets

IP69 is a protection level assigned to electrical or mechanical devices, indicating the highest degree of protection against dust, dirt, moisture, and other environmental factors. It is the highest level available for products and indicates complete dust tightness, as well as resistance to high-pressure water jets. This rating is extremely important in industries such as food processing, agricultural equipment, construction machinery, medical equipment, power tools, lighting systems, and many others, where products must be resistant to harsh environmental conditions.

This information can be read from the digits of the code:

6 - denotes complete protection against any contact with hazardous parts and dust ingress.
9 - denotes protection against flooding with a strong jet of water under pressure (80-100 bar and temp. +80 °C).

IP69K – Additional Protection in Applications with Increased Pressure and High Temperature

As we mentioned earlier, one or two additional letters may appear at the end of the code. This is the case with the IP69K protection rating, which indicates protection against high-pressure water during steam/jet cleaning. The IP69K degree of protection is defined in the DIN 40050-9 standard, which is an extension of the international IEC 60529 standard.

In the case of the IP69K protection level, the device is tested for resistance to washing with high-pressure and high-temperature water. Specifically, the test involves applying a water jet at a pressure of 100 bars, directed at the device at angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° from a distance of 10-15 cm, with a water temperature of 80°C, for at least 3 minutes. If the device survives this test without water penetration, it receives the "9K" protection rating.

IP69 IP69K – Application

The letter "K" in the IP69K designation comes from the German word "Kraftfahrzeug", which means "motor vehicle". This protection rating was originally introduced in Germany for devices used in vehicles, such as cars and trucks, which are often washed under high pressure. Today, the IP69K protection rating is used in many different industrial sectors (including food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural), not just in the automotive industry.

How to Achieve the IP69 Protection Level?

To meet the requirements of the IP69 protection degree, manufacturers must ensure that all components used in the production process are designed to be highly durable and waterproof. This includes the use of materials resistant to corrosion and wear due to vibration, as well as sealing components with protective gaskets.

Furthermore, manufacturers should also use IP-rated enclosures for all exposed parts to protect them from dust, dirt, moisture, and other external factors. In addition to protection against unwanted particles and liquids, these measures can also help protect sensitive electronics from short circuits.

Testing Process

Manufacturers need to be aware of the rigorous testing process required to obtain the IP69 protection rating. To achieve this rating, a device or equipment must undergo a series of tests that assess its ability to withstand various environmental conditions and pressures. These tests include immersion in dust and dirt, immersion in water (including spraying with a high-pressure water jet and continuous immersion), mechanical shock tests, corrosion resistance tests, temperature endurance, and others. Therefore, achieving the IP69 class requires a great deal of attention to detail throughout the design process, as well as stringent testing protocols before certification is granted.

IP 69 norm – industrial application benefits

IP69-rated devices offer numerous benefits in industry, such as high protection against dust, dirt and moisture, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions. They help prevent short circuits caused by contact with water, reducing costly repairs. The durability and water resistance of the components make the devices more efficient and long-lasting. The IP69 testing process gives consumers confidence that their product can withstand extreme environmental conditions, which contributes to the growing popularity of these products in various industries.

Application of IP69 Devices in Industry

Automotive and Rail Industry

One of the most common applications of IP69-rated products is in the automotive industry. Cars contain many components that must withstand extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations while remaining operational. A similar situation exists in the rail industry, which is why the vibration and shock-resistant resistive temperature sensor with the JUMO VIBROTEMP plug with IP69K protection, and the new JUMO railTEMP with IP69 protection, are optimal solutions for this application.

Pharmaceutical and food industry

In the pharmaceutical and food industries, equipment is often exposed to sterilization processes that require resistance to high pressure and temperatures. Therefore, the waterproof temperature sensor for autoclaves and machines JUMO PLASTOSENS T03 and waterproof resistive temperature sensor in vapor-tight design JUMO STEAMTEMP with IP69K protection are, due to their total tightness, often chosen by our customers for sterilization applications, autoclaves, SIP and CIP processes. For flow measurement in these industries, we recommend our novelty - the flow meter JUMO flowTRANS MAG H20 electromagnetic flow meter with IP69.

Machinery industry

Also in the mechanical engineering industry, equipment is exposed to extreme conditions. With this in mind, the pressure transmitter JUMO TAROS S47 P pressure transmitter with IP69 protection for precise measurement of relative and absolute pressure in liquid and gaseous media.

Other industries that rely heavily on IP69-rated products include agricultural equipment, medical equipment, power tools and lighting systems. In agricultural equipment, IP69-rated parts provide an extra layer of protection against corrosive agricultural chemicals while maintaining operational performance in harsh weather conditions. In medical equipment, such as MRI and CT scanners, IP 69 protection helps reduce the risk of electrical malfunctions caused by moisture or dirt accumulating inside the equipment's housing.

IP69 and IP69K designations - summary

IP69 stands for the highest degree of protection against water, dust, dirt and shock. The IP69K designation tells us that the devices have received an additional degree of protection for high-pressure cleaning. To obtain these certifications, manufacturers must use highly durable materials and components and seals. In addition, they must pass a rigorous testing process that includes immersion in dust and dirt, treatment with pressurized water jets at different angles, mechanical shock, corrosion resistance and temperature endurance tests.

The benefits of using IP69-rated devices include superior protection from environmental factors such as dust, dirt and moisture, as well as improved performance and reduced repair expenses. This has led to an increase in popularity in various industries such as automotive, railroad, pharmaceutical, food processing, agricultural equipment and medical equipment.

Looking for measuring devices with IP69 and IP69K protection ratings? Contact JUMO and get a quote!

Aboutthe author

My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been involved in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I express my creativity by creating collages from newspaper clippings. I like to spend my free time actively, walking my dog or running.

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