IP46 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP46
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP46 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP46 and IPX6 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.