IP33 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IPX6 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 IPX6 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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP33 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 and IPX6 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.