IP27 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP27 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.