IP56 vs IP24
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP24 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP24 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP24
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP24
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP24
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP24
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP24)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP56 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP56 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP24. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP24 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.