IP55 vs IP16
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP16 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP16 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP16
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP16
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP16
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP16
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP16)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP55 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.