IP15 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP15 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 and IPX6 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.