IP11 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.