IP06 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 3). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP06
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP06 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP06. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP06 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.