IP55 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 1). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP41
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP55 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP55 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.