IP61 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP61 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP61 is rated for dust-tight and vertically dripping water, while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
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)
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP61
Yes
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP61
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP61
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP61
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP61 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP61 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.