IP55 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP55 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Both IP55 and IP15 share the same liquid protection: Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.