ABB's Compact range of panel switches, lamps, pushbuttons, E-stops and enclosures are now approved for the IP69K high-pressure, high-temperature wash-downs. This rating provides waterproofing protection that exceeds NEMA 4X rating. This superior IP69K protection provides all the benefits of high pressure, high temperature washing: faster more complete sanitary cleaning with reduced waste. Required in many sanitary process markets including food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical, ABB is your source for IP69K rated Compact pilot devices: panel lamps, selector switches, pushbuttons and emergency stop switches.

Compact Pilot Devices - Greater Protection – Same Cost
With these IP ratings, ABB's Compact pilot devices are perfect for environments requiring greater protection from dust, submersion, and high-pressure, high-temperature spray-down. This level of protection is essential in many food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries.

Upgrading to IP69K & ABB Compact Pilot Devices: Saves You $$

• High pressure spray– up to 1450 psi uses less water, less mess, lower cost
• Close-range spray – nozzle up to 6 inches reduces waste
• Reduced detergent means, less money down the drain
• High-temperature spray (up to 176ºF) - helps kill bacteria

Where is high pressure, high temperature washdown used?

• Food processing
• Pharmaceutical
• Petrochemical
• Waste Treatment
• Bottling
• Trucking/Transportation

What is IP69K?
The IP69K rating is designed to address high pressure, high temperature wash down applications. The "6" applies to external protection from dust. The "9" signifies protection from close-range high-pressure spray downs, and the "K" applies to the high temperature of the water used. This rating was established in 1993 as an extension to the IEC 60529 standard. It was originally intended to be a standard for road vehicles that would provide protection against foreign objects such as dust, dirt, high-pressure water, heat, and inadvertent touch.

The IP69K standard requires the water pressure to be between 1160-1450 psi, at a rate of about 4 gallons/minute, and at a temperature of 176ºF. The nozzle from which the water is sprayed is between 4 and 6 inches from the product. The spray is applied at the angles of 0º, 30º, 60º, and 90º, for duration of 30 seconds at each angle, while the product is rotated at 5 rpm.

Benefits of IP69K
IP69K is different from NEMA Type 4
The IP69K and NEMA Type 4 standards both require the product to protect against the entry of water during a wash/spray down, but this is where the similarities end. The Type 4 test is mainly concerned with hose conditions involving lower pressure water at greater water volume (65 gallons/minute), and longer distances (10-12ft). The Type 4 rating can be compared with spray from a fire hose. In contrast, the IP69K test is at a very close range (5.9" max), low volume, and very high pressure/high temperature. Because many operators are sprayed down at distances much closer than the approved 10-12 feet, NEMA 4X rated product can allow ingress in instances where IP69K rated product can withstand it.

ABB offers two complete ranges of pilot devices, each range completely covered by additional protection ratings, including NEMA Types 1, 12, 13, 3R, 4, and 4X.