IP46 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IPX5 provides no protection 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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP46
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP46 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IPX5 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
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.