IP08 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP08 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP08 is rated for no protection and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP08, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 8.
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)
IP08
0 — No Protection
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP08
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP08
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP08
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP08
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP08
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP08 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP08
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP08 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP08
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP08 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP08 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP08. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP08 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.