IP40 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP40 and IP46 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP46 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP46 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.