IP06 vs IP33
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP33 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 3). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP33 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP33
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP33
No
Submersible
IP06
No
IP33
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP33
No
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP33)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP33 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP06 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 and IP33 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.