IP34 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP34
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.