IP64 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IPX6 provides no protection 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).
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP64
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP64 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP64 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.