IP46 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 7). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP46
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.