IP25 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP25 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP25 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP25
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP25
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP25
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP25
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP25 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP56 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP25. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP25 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.