IP28 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
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)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP28 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP28. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP28 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.