IP18 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP18 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP18. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP18 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.