IP55 vs IP62
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP62 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP62 provides dust-tight and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Built to withstand dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP62, it pairs solid level 6 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP62
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP62
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP62
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP62
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP62
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP62
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP62)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP62
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP62 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP62 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP62
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP62 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP55 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP62. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP62 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.