IP56 vs IP05
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP05 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP05 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP05 specifies no protection against solid objects and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP05
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP05
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP05
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP05
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP05
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP05
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP05)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP05
Level 0 — No Protection
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP05 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP56 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP05
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP05 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP56 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP05. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP05 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.