IP17 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP17 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.