IP48 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP48 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP48 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP48 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.