IP34 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP34
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP56 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.