IP40 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP40 and IP6X share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP6X offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP6X for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.