IP56 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 8). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP56 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP56. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP56 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.