IP46 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 7). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP46
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP46 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IPX7. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IPX7 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.