IP23 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP23 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP6X offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP6X for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.