IP11 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
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.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP11 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP11 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP6X offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP6X for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.