IP48 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
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)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP48 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.