IP43 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP56 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.