IP56 vs IP28
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP28 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 8). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP28 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP28
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP28
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP28
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP28
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP28)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP56 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP28 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP28. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP28 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.