IP05 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP05 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP05 is rated for no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP05 specifies no protection against solid objects and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 5.
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)
IP05
0 — No Protection
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP05
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP05
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP05
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP05
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP05
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP05 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP05
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP05 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP05
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP05 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP05. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP05 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.