IP03 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP03 and IPX6 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX6 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IPX6 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.