IP55 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP6X provides dust-tight 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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP6X 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 IP6X. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.