IP16 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP16
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP16 and IP56 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.