IP55 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP57 provides dust-protected 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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP55 and IP57 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.