What makes a product IP69K certified?

The IP69K rating includes two testing elements: protection against solid matter such as dust and protection against water ingress. The passing criterion for each is no ingress of foreign particles or liquids inside the gearbox or motor. 

We’ve told you about our products being IP69K certified, but what goes into IP69K testing? 

IP69K certification requirements and testing standards 

IP69K certification is part of the broader system of IP rating classifications defined by the IP Code, which measures ingress protection for enclosures used in industrial and commercial environments.  

The IP69K standard is one of the highest levels of protection class available, especially for electrical equipment operating in industrial washdown environments. To maintain IP69K compliance, equipment must withstand extreme conditions, including high pressure cleaning, elevated water temperatures, and complete dust protection. 

Unlike other ratings that focus primarily on immersion or general water resistance, IP69K equipment is engineered for sanitation-intensive applications with frequent washdowns. This high pressure washdown rating confirms that IP69K certified equipment can tolerate powerful water jet exposure from multiple directions while maintaining full sealing performance. You can count on reliable ingress protection for gearboxes even under rigorous cleaning procedures.

The liquid testing element includes spraying the geared motor with 176 degrees Fahrenheit/80 degrees Celsius water at a flow rate of four gallons/minute and a pressure between 1160-1450 psi, using a controlled water jet as part of the IP69K testing procedure.  

For our new cLEAN System, the test was performed with the geared motor running and at standstill. The motor and gearbox were both disassembled with no signs of water in any of the internal cavities or oil.