IP22 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP55 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.