IP56 vs IP10
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP10 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP10 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection.
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.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP10
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP10
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP10
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP10
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP10
No
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP10)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP56 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP56 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP56 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.