IP64 vs IP16
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP16 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP16 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP16
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP16
Yes
Submersible
IP64
No
IP16
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP16
Yes
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP16)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP64 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.