IP55 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP34
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP55 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP55 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.