IP34 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IPX6 provides no protection 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.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP34
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP34 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP34 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.