IP50 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP50
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP50 and IP56 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP56 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP56 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.