IP56 vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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 2.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP35 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)
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP56 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP35. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP35 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.