IP46 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 6 vs 9K). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP46
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP46 and IP49K share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.