IP46 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 3). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP63 provides dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP63
No
Submersible
IP46
No
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP46 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP63. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP63 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.