IP56 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP64
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP56 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP64. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP64 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.