IP29K vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 6). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
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)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP29K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.