IP46 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 6 vs 7). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP46
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP46 and IP47 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP47 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.