IP20 vs IP06
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP06 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP06 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP06
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP06
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP06
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP06
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP06
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP06)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP20 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP06 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP06 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP06 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.