IP64 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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).
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)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP64
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP64 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 and IP46 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.