IP06 vs IP20
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP20 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP20 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection.
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.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP20
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP20
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP20
No
Submersible
IP06
No
IP20
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP20
No
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP20)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP20 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP06 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP06 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP06 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.