IP48 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP48 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP48 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP6X. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.