IP55 vs IP10
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP10 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP10 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection.
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.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP10
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP10
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP10
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP10
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP10
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP10)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP55 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.