IP46 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP46 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP46 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IPX4 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IPX4 (solid protection not specified) resists splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for bathroom and outdoor-covered appliances where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP46
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP46
Yes
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP46
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP46
Yes
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP46 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX4 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP46 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IPX4 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP46 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IPX4. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IPX4 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.