IP60 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP60
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP60 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP46 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP46 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP60. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.