IP46 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP46
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP46 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP5X. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.