IP56 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 6 vs 7). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP56 and IP57 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP56. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP56 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.