IP23 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.