IP30 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP30 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP30 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
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)
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP30
0 — No Protection
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP30
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP30
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP30
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP30
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP30 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP46 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP46 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP30. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP30 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.