IP07 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP07 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP07 is rated for no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP07 is an ingress protection code that ensures no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP07
0 — No Protection
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP07
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP07
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP07
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP07
Yes
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP07
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP07 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP07
Level 0 — No Protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP07 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP07
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP07 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP07 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP07. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP07 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.