IP46 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP46
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP46 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP6X. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.