IP15 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Both IP15 and IP55 share the same liquid protection: Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.