IP47 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP47 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 3). IP47 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP63 provides dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP47
No
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP47
Yes
IP63
No
Submersible
IP47
Yes
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP47
Yes
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP47 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP47 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP63. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP63 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.