IP48 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with 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)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP48 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP56. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP56 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.