IP16 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP16
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.