Ingress Protection (IP) ratings come from IEC 60529 and describe how well an enclosure resists dust and water. The two digits matter: first is dust, second is water.
IP65 means dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. Suitable for general indoor humidity, light outdoor exposure (covered walkways), and most warehouses.
IP66 raises the bar to powerful water jets. Useful for outdoor-exposed walkways, parking garages with washdown, and humid environments like swimming pools.
IP69K is a special standard from ISO 20653 — it tests close-range high-pressure, high-temperature jet washing (80°C, 80–100 bar). This is what food-processing plants and cold-chain warehouses need.
For most general industrial applications, IP65 is sufficient and saves money. Reach for IP66 or IP69K when washdown is a daily reality.
