IP18 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (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)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP18 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP18. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP18 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.