IP40 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP56 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP56 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.