When selecting a washdown PC for hygienic industrial environments, IP67 and IP69K are the two protection ratings most commonly discussed.
At first glance, both appear “waterproof.”
From an engineering perspective, however, the difference between IP67 and IP69K is significant — and application-critical.
This article explains:
- What IP67 and IP69K actually mean
- How they perform in real washdown environments
- Which protection level is appropriate for your application
Understanding IP Ratings (Brief Engineering Overview)
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating defines how well an enclosure protects against solids and liquids.
- The first digit refers to solid protection (dust)
- The second digit refers to liquid protection (water)
Both IP67 and IP69K offer full dust protection.
The difference lies entirely in liquid exposure resistance.
What Does IP67 Mean for a Washdown PC?
IP67 Definition (IEC 60529)
IP67 means the device can withstand:
- Temporary immersion in water
- Typically up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- Under controlled, static conditions
Where IP67 Works Well
From a German engineering standpoint, IP67 is suitable for:
- Occasional splashing
- Condensation or humidity
- Accidental immersion (non-pressurized)
IP67 is commonly used in:
- Outdoor electronics
- Mobile equipment
- Industrial environments without routine washdown
IP67 Limitations in Washdown Environments
IP67 does not cover:
- High-pressure water jets
- Hot water washdown
- Repeated chemical cleaning
Under daily cleaning routines, seals designed for immersion often fail prematurely.
What Does IP69K Mean for a Washdown PC?
IP69K Definition (DIN 40050-9)
IP69K is the highest ingress protection level for washdown applications.
It certifies resistance to:
- High-pressure water jets (up to 80–100 bar)
- High-temperature water (up to 80 °C)
- Close-range, multi-angle spray
- Repeated washdown cycles
Originally developed in Germany for food and vehicle sanitation, IP69K directly targets hygienic industrial use.
Why IP69K Is Different by Design
From an engineering viewpoint, IP69K systems require:
- Reinforced sealing systems
- Pressure-resistant gaskets
- Hygienic mechanical design
- Washdown-rated connectors and cable exits
IP69K is not an upgrade of IP67 —
it is a different design philosophy.
IP69K vs IP67 — Technical Comparison Table
| Feature | IP67 | IP69K |
|---|---|---|
| Dust Protection | Complete | Complete |
| Water Exposure Type | Static immersion | High-pressure jet spray |
| Water Pressure | None specified | Up to 80–100 bar |
| Water Temperature | Ambient | Up to 80 °C |
| Cleaning Chemicals | Limited tolerance | Designed for detergents |
| Washdown Frequency | Occasional | Daily / frequent |
| Hygienic Design Requirement | Not mandatory | Mandatory |
| Typical Failure Mode | Seal fatigue | Engineered for longevity |
| Recommended for Food Washdown | ❌ | ✅ |
| Recommended for Pharma | ❌ | ✅ |
Which Protection Level Should You Choose?
Choose IP67 If
- Cleaning involves light rinsing only
- No high-pressure water jets are used
- The PC is mounted away from direct cleaning zones
IP67 is a cost-effective solution for controlled environments.
Choose IP69K If
- Daily high-pressure washdown is required
- Hot water or foam cleaning is used
- Food safety or hygiene compliance is critical
- Downtime and maintenance must be minimized
For food, beverage, and pharmaceutical production, IP69K is usually the correct engineering choice.
Why Many “IP67 Washdown PCs” Fail in Practice
From field experience, failures often occur because:
- Seals were designed for immersion, not pressure
- Connectors were not washdown-rated
- Enclosures lacked hygienic geometry
- Chemical exposure degraded gaskets
These failures are not defects — they are design mismatches.
Engineering Conclusion — IP69K Is the Safer Long-Term Choice
A washdown PC should be selected based on cleaning process reality, not datasheet interpretation.
From a German engineering perspective:
- IP67 = waterproof
- IP69K = washdown-proof
For environments with routine sanitation, IP69K offers:
- Higher reliability
- Longer service life
- Lower total cost of ownership
Choosing a Purpose-Built IP69K Washdown PC
At washdownpc.com, we design stainless steel IP69K washdown PCs specifically for hygienic industrial environments.
Key characteristics include:
- SUS304 / SUS316 stainless steel enclosures
- True system-level IP69K protection (including I/O)
- Hygienic, easy-to-clean mechanical design
- Fanless industrial architecture
If your production line requires daily washdown, an IP69K solution is not an upgrade — it is the correct engineering decision.
