IP55 vs IP04
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP04 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP04 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP04
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP04
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP04
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP04
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP04
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP04)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP55 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.