IP25 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP25 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP25 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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)
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP25
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP25
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP25
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP25
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP25 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP25 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP25 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
IP25 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP25 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.