IP27 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP27 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)). IP27 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.