IP47 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP47 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP47 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP47
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP47
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP47
Yes
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP47
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP47 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP47 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP47 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.