IP63 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP63 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP63 is rated for dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP63
Yes
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP63
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP63
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP63
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP63 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP63 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP63 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP63 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.