IP56 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 3). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP23
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP56 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP56 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.