IP55 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP55 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IPX7. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IPX7 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.