IP22 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP22 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX6 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IPX6 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.