IP55 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP55 and IP56 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP56 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.