IP55 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP23
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP55 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.