IP22 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP56 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.