IP43 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
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)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP43 and IP46 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.