Washdown Scales Explained: IP65, IP67 and IP69K Ratings and the Best Washdown Scales

Washdown scales are sealed from IP65 to IP69K so you can hose them down, and our top pick is the NTEP, NSF-listed, IP67 A&D SJ-15KWP, on sale for $369.00 (regular $695.00), in stock.

Water, brine, blood and cleaning chemicals are the fastest way to ruin an ordinary scale. A washdown scale keeps liquid out of the electronics and load cell, resists corrosion and cleans up to food-safety standards. MNM Scales is an authorized dealer for A&D, Doran, Torrey and more, one of the largest scale distributors in the country with over 30 years in business, and washdown scales are some of our most popular food-industry products.

What is a washdown scale?

A washdown scale combines a stainless steel platform and frame (usually 304 stainless), a sealed load cell and a sealed indicator with gasketed seams and a sealed keypad. The sealing is rated with an IP code under IEC 60529 (or a NEMA 4X rating for enclosures), and many food models are NSF listed for sanitary design. Sealing is tested on a new scale with its covers and cable glands closed, so treat the rating as the limit, not a daily target.

IP ratings for washdown scales

Rating	What it means	Typical use
IP65	Dust tight; protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction	Wipe-down and light rinse areas, bakeries, labs
IP66	Dust tight; protected against powerful water jets	Regular hose-down areas
IP67	Dust tight; protected against temporary immersion (tested at up to 1 m for 30 minutes)	Scales washed in a sink, seafood and produce
IP68	Dust tight; protected against continuous immersion under conditions set by the maker	Very wet areas
IP69K	Dust tight; protected against close-range, high-pressure, high-temperature spray	Meat and poultry plants with daily sanitation
NEMA 4X	Enclosure protected against hose-directed water and corrosion	Indicators in wet, corrosive areas

The first digit is dust protection (6 is dust tight) and the second is water protection. A higher water number is not automatically better for every job: IP67 covers immersion, while IP69K covers high-pressure, hot-water spray, so match the rating to how your crew actually cleans.

Our picks: best washdown scales

Scale	Capacity x readability	Rating and approvals	Best for
A&D FX-120iWPN	120 g x 0.001 g	IP65, NTEP	Spices, additives and lab samples in wet areas
A&D SJ-15KWP	15 kg x 0.5 g high-res; 33 lb x 0.01 lb NTEP mode	IP67, NSF 169 and 14159-1, NTEP CC 18-131	Portioning and checkweighing at the line
A&D FS-15Ki	15 kg x 1 g (finest setting)	IP65, stainless steel	Checkweighing and filling
Doran 7025XL	25 lb x 0.005 lb, 10 x 10 in	IP69K, 304 stainless, NTEP	Meat and poultry with daily sanitation
Doran 7050XL/12	50 lb x 0.01 lb, 12 x 12 in	IP69K, 304 stainless, NTEP	Larger portions and cases
A&D HV-60KCWP	30/60/150 lb x 0.01/0.02/0.05 lb	IP65, NTEP	Cases and totes up to 150 lb
MNM Scales MM-915-SS	60 kg, 12 x 12 in	Stainless washdown, NTEP Class III (CC 22-026)	Value NTEP bench scale for wet areas
Optima OP-915SS	300 lb x 0.05 lb, 16 x 16 in	NEMA 4X indicator, NTEP	Heavy bench weighing in processing rooms

The SJ-15KWP runs on six D batteries (not included) for up to about 5,000 hours, so there is no cord to route through a wet area. Its 0.5 g mode is for in-house portioning; it is legal for trade at 33 lb x 0.01 lb. Doran 7000XL scales are built in the USA with a Quad-Spring base rated for 1000% overload protection on bases up to 15 x 15 in. See all Doran washdown scales, and for pallet-size wet areas, our NTEP stainless steel floor scales and our washdown floor scale guide.

How to choose a washdown scale

• Match the rating to your cleaning. Wipe-down: IP65. Hose-down: IP66 or better. Sink washing: IP67. Hot, high-pressure sanitation: IP69K.
• Legal for trade. If you price by weight at a deli, meat or seafood counter, choose an NTEP model and have it placed in service (see what NTEP means and, in Texas, placing a scale in service). Equipping a butcher shop or meat market? See our meat scale buying guide.
• Checkweighing and counting. Comparator lights on the SJ-WP and FS-i speed up portioning; see our checkweigher guide and counting scale guide.
• Food contact. Look for NSF listing and open, easy-to-clean designs where product touches the pan.
• Power. Battery models avoid cords near water; plug-in models need a protected outlet.
• Capacity and size. Cover your heaviest tote plus some headroom, and pick a platform the container fits on without overhanging.

Care tips that keep washdown scales accurate

• Close battery covers, port caps and cable glands before cleaning; ratings assume they are sealed.
• Avoid aiming a high-pressure nozzle at seams, keypads and cable entries unless the scale is IP69K rated.
• Let the scale return to room temperature after hot-water cleaning before you weigh.
• Check zero and a known weight at the start of each shift (see calibration weight classes).
• Replace torn keypads, worn gaskets and damaged cables early, before water reaches the electronics.

Calibration and service for washdown scales

Wet, busy environments shift calibration faster, so plan on at least once a year and more often in daily sanitation areas (how often to calibrate). MNM Scales is TDA licensed with registered technicians and calibrates with in-house or NIST-traceable certificates (which certificate do you need?; calibration prices). On-site service in Houston and suburbs is a $295 service call plus $2 per mile round trip, with Dallas, Austin and San Antonio on request; nationwide mail-in calibration usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Need a scale while yours is repaired? Ask about rentals. Choose the tier by the scale’s maximum capacity; for washdown floor scales, see how to calibrate a floor scale.

Frequently asked questions

What is a washdown scale?

A washdown scale is a stainless steel scale with a sealed load cell and indicator, rated to an IP code such as IP65, IP67 or IP69K, so it can be cleaned with water in food processing, meat, seafood and chemical areas.

What IP rating do I need for a washdown scale?

IP65 handles wipe-downs and light rinsing, IP66 handles regular hose-downs, IP67 handles temporary immersion such as sink washing, and IP69K handles close-range, high-pressure, high-temperature sanitation.

What is the difference between IP67 and IP69K?

IP67 means protection against temporary immersion in water. IP69K means protection against high-pressure, high-temperature spray at close range, which is common in meat and poultry plant sanitation.

Are washdown scales legal for trade?

Many are. The A&D SJ-15KWP, A&D HV-60KCWP, Doran 7000XL series and MNM Scales MM-915-SS are NTEP approved. A scale used to price by weight must be an NTEP model placed in service under your state rules.

Can I wash a washdown scale in the sink?

Only if it is rated IP67 or higher, such as the A&D SJ-15KWP, and its battery cover and port covers are fully closed. Follow the manufacturer cleaning instructions.

How often should a washdown scale be calibrated?

At least once a year, more often in daily sanitation areas, and after any drop, overload or failed daily check. MNM Scales offers on-site calibration in Houston and nationwide mail-in calibration, usually in 1 to 3 business days.