IP46 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP46
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP46 and IP56 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.