IP46 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP61
No
Submersible
IP46
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP46 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.