IP68 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP68 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP68 is rated for dust-tight and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP68 is dust-tight and protects against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (typically deeper than 1 meter for prolonged periods). The standard for submersible and marine equipment.
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)
IP68
6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP68
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP68
Yes
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP68
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP68
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP68
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP68 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP68
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP68 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP68 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP68
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP68 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP68 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP68 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP68 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.