IP17 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 0). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP17 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP17 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP6X. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.