IP27 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP27 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.