IP06 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP06
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP15 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP06 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 and IP15 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.