IP50 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP50
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP50 and IP55 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP55 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.