IP56 vs IP11
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP11 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP11 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water.
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP11
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP11
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP11
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP11
No
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP11)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP11 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)
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP56 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.