IP00 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP00 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP00 is rated for no protection and no protection, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP00 offers no protection against solid objects or moisture. It is suitable only for indoor, climate-controlled environments where the equipment is fully enclosed within another protective housing.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP46 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP00
0 — No Protection
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP00
0 — No Protection
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP00
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP00
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP00
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP00
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP00 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP00
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP00 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP00
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP00 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP46 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP46 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP00. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP00 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.