IP03 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP55 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.