IP55 vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP67 provides dust-tight 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.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP67 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP67 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.