IP46 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 6 vs 8). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP46
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP46 and IP48 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.