IP46 vs IP60
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IP60 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP60 provides dust-tight 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.
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP60
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IP60
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IP60
No
Submersible
IP46
No
IP60
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IP60
No
The exact difference (IP46 vs IP60)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP60 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP60 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 IP60. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.