IP56 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 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
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP34
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP56 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP34 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 IP34. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.