IP56 vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 7). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP67 provides dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP67 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP67 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP56. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP56 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.