IP55 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Both IP55 and IPX5 share the same liquid protection: Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.