IP57 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow 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)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP57 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.