IP08 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP08 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP08 is rated for no protection and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP08, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 8.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP08
0 — No Protection
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP08
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP08
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP08
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP08
Yes
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP08
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP08 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP08
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP08 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP08
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP08 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP08 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP08. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP08 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.