IP55 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP52
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP55 and IP52 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP55 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP52. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.