IP55 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP55 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP43 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 IP43. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.