IP66 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP66 is dust-tight and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). A robust outdoor rating for equipment exposed to heavy rain, storms, or directed high-pressure hosing (but not high-pressure washdown).
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)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP66
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP66 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP66 and IP46 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.