IP32 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
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)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.