IP02 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
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)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP02
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP02 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP02 and IPX6 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX6 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IPX6 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.