IP56 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 7). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP17 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)
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP17 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.