IP56 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 3). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP56 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP43 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 IP43. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.