IP33 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP33
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP33 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP33 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 and IP6X offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.