However, there are industrial sectors, such as the food industry, where equipment must withstand high-pressure/steam cleaning, be resistant to various cleaning agents, and meet hygienic design requirements. In these cases, it is necessary to use encoders with the highest protection rating, IP69K, and provide a solution that meets the sector's requirements.

IP Protection Ratings.
IP protection ratings refer to the international standard IEC 60529, which indicates the level of protection of electrical or electronic equipment against the ingress of external agents: dust or water. The first digit indicates the equipment's protection against the ingress of solid objects, with "1" (protection against large objects) and "6" (protection against small dust particles). Similarly, the second digit refers to the equipment's protection against the ingress of liquids, with "1" (protection against falling water) and "8" (prolonged immersion). As a general rule, the higher the IP rating, the more protected and isolated the equipment is against the ingress of external agents.
However, it was observed that the most restrictive rating, IP68, did not cover pressure cleaning of equipment used in the food industry. Therefore, the German standard DIN 40050-9 generated the new IP69K classification, which establishes regulated testing criteria.

IP69K Testing:
To obtain the IP69K rating, products must withstand a pressure cleaning test. The test consists of spraying the product with water at 80°C at a pressure of 80 to 100 bar and a flow rate of 14 to 16 l/min, using a nozzle positioned between 25 and 175 mm, at different angles (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°) for 30 seconds in each position.

Hohner Automatic's 10K Series encoders boast an IP69K protection rating. Constructed from AISI 316 stainless steel, they feature a seal that ensures maximum protection against high-pressure cleaning equipment and are ECOLAB certified (resistant to harsh detergents and disinfectants). Furthermore, the 10K Series includes laser marking and is designed according to EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) criteria.
These IP69K encoders are ideal for use in a wide range of applications within the food industry: food and beverage bottling, conveyor belts, labeling machinery, and more.