IP55 vs IP08
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP08 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 8). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP08 provides no protection and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Built to withstand no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP08, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP08
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP08
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP08
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP08
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP08
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP08
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP08)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP08
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP08 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP08
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP08 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP08 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP08. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP08 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.