IP55 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX6 provides no protection 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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.