IP46 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 2). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP52
No
Submersible
IP46
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP46 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP52. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.