IP11 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IPX6 provides no protection 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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP11 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX6 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IPX6 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.