IP16 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP16
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP16 and IP46 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.