IP06 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP46 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm 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 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP06
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP06 and IP46 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP06. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP06 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.