IP04 vs IP06
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP06 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP06 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
With IP06, an enclosure receives no protection against solid objects and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP06
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP06
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP06
Yes
Submersible
IP04
No
IP06
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP06
Yes
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP06)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP04 and IP06 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP06 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP06 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.