IP10 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP10
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP55 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.