IP58 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP58 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP58 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.