IP64 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP63 provides dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°).
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).
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP63
No
Submersible
IP64
No
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP64 and IP63 share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP64 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP63. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP63 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.