IP28 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP28 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 and IP46 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.