IP03 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
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)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.