IP55 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
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, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP55 and IP50 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.