IP64 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 4 vs 0). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP64
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP64 and IP6X share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP64 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP6X. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.