IP47 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP47 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP47 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 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 4 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)
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP47
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP47
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP47
Yes
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP47
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP47 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP47 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)). IP47 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 and IP56 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.