IP46 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP65 is dust-tight and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). It is the most common standard for fully exposed outdoor electronics such as lighting, cameras, and EV chargers.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP46
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.