IP43 vs IP06
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP06 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP06 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered 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)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP06
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP06
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP06
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP06
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP06
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP06)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP43 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43 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
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP06. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP06 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.