IP03 vs IP06
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP06 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP06 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
With IP06, an enclosure receives no protection against solid objects 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 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP06
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP06
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP06
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IP06
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP06
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP06)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP03 and IP06 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP06 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP06 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.