IP10 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
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)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP10
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP56 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP56 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.