IP41 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
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)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP41
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP55 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.