IP55 vs IP28
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP28 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 8). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP28 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP28
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP28
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP28
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP28
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP28)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP28 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 and IP28 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.