IP33 vs IP06
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP06 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP06 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
With IP06, an enclosure receives no protection against solid objects 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 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP06
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP06
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP06
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IP06
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP06
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP06)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP33 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP06 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 and IP06 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.