IP35 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP35 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP35 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
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)
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP35
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP35
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP35
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP35
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP35 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP35 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP35 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.