IP10 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP10
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP10 and IP6X share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP6X offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP6X for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.