IP55 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP55 and IP5X share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP5X. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.