IP56 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions).
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, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP14
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP14 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)
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP56 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.