IP56 vs IP62
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP62 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 2). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP62 provides dust-tight and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
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)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP62
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP62
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP62
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP62
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP62
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP62
No
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP62)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP62
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP62 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP62 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP62
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP62 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP56 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP62. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP62 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.