IP22 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.