IP67 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
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)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP67 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP67 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.