IP56 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP56 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP56 and IP46 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.