IP35 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP35 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP35 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
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)
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP35
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP35
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP35
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP35
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP35 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP35 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP35 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 offers higher overall protection than IP6X. Choose IP35 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.