IP04 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed 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 4.
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)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP04
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP04 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP04 and IPX6 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX6 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IPX6 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.