IP06 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP06
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP06 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP06 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP06 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.