IP28 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP28 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 and IP55 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.