IP55 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 8). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP55 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.