IP34 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 5). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP34
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP55 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.