IP06 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP14
No
Submersible
IP06
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP14 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP06 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP06 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.