IP55 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP55 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP47 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.