IP55 vs. IP56 Explained: Choosing the Right Protection for Outdoor Telecom Cabinets

Mar 21 , 2025

What is the IP Rating Standard?

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating is defined by the international standard IEC 60529. It classifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water). The IP rating consists of two digits:

First Digit (Solid Protection):
- Ranges from 0 to 6.
- Indicates the level of protection against solid objects, such as dust or debris.
- 0: No protection.
- 6: Complete protection against dust (dust-tight).
Second Digit (Liquid Protection):
- Ranges from 0 to 9.
- Indicates the level of protection against liquids, such as water.
- 0: No protection.
- 9: Protection against high-temperature, high-pressure water jets.

For example:

IP55: Dust-protected (5) and protected against low-pressure water jets (5).
IP56: Dust-protected (5) and protected against powerful water jets (6).

Key Differences Between IP55 and IP56

Aspect	IP55	IP56
Solid Protection	5: Dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposits).	5: Dust-protected (same as IP55).
Liquid Protection	5: Protected against low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).	6: Protected against high-pressure water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Water Resistance	Can handle water splashes or light jets from any direction.	Can handle more powerful water jets from any direction.
Applications	Suitable for environments with light water exposure.	Suitable for harsher environments with heavy water exposure.

Applications of IP55 and IP56

IP55 Applications

IP55 is suitable for environments where the equipment is exposed to light water jets or splashes but not submerged or exposed to high-pressure water. Common applications include:

Outdoor electrical enclosures (e.g., junction boxes, control panels).
Industrial equipment in areas with occasional water splashes.
Street lighting fixtures.
HVAC systems in semi-protected environments.
Indoor environments with occasional cleaning or light water exposure.

IP56 Applications

IP56 is designed for environments with more intense water exposure, such as powerful water jets or heavy rain. Common applications include:

Marine or coastal equipment exposed to saltwater spray.
Outdoor equipment in areas with heavy rainfall or storms.
Industrial washdown areas (e.g., food processing, chemical plants).
Construction sites with high-pressure water cleaning.
Outdoor telecommunications equipment in harsh weather conditions.

AZE's Outdoor Telecom Cabinets

AZE is a well-known manufacturer of outdoor telecom cabinets, and their products are designed to meet specific IP ratings based on the intended application. Here’s how AZE’s cabinets align with IP55 and IP56:

Features of AZE's Outdoor Telecom Cabinets

Robust Construction:
- Made from high-quality materials like galvanized steel or aluminum, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Reinforced seams and joints to prevent water ingress.
Sealing and Gaskets:
- High-quality gaskets and seals are used to meet the required IP rating.
- For IP56, AZE uses compression gaskets or multi-layer seals to withstand higher water pressure.
Thermal Management:
- Equipped with ventilation systems, fans, or heat exchangers to manage internal temperature and prevent overheating.
- Ensures reliable operation even in extreme weather conditions.
Mounting Options:
- Designed for easy installation on poles, walls, or ground-mounted structures.
- Flexible mounting options to suit various deployment scenarios.
Security Features:
- Lockable doors and tamper-proof designs to protect sensitive equipment from unauthorized access.

AZE's IP55 Cabinets

Suitable for standard outdoor applications with moderate environmental conditions.
Commonly used in urban or suburban telecom networks.
Cost-effective solution for areas without extreme weather or high-pressure water exposure.

AZE's IP56 Cabinets

Designed for harsh environments, such as coastal areas or industrial zones.
Provides superior protection against heavy rain, storms, and high-pressure water jets.
Ideal for critical infrastructure in challenging conditions.

Choosing Between IP55 and IP56 for AZE's Outdoor Telecom Cabinets

When selecting an AZE outdoor telecom cabinet, consider the following factors:

Environmental Conditions:
- If the cabinet will be installed in a region with heavy rain, storms, or high-pressure cleaning, choose IP56.
- For areas with light rain and moderate conditions, IP55 is sufficient.
Cost:
- IP55 cabinets are more cost-effective and suitable for standard applications.
- IP56 cabinets are more expensive but necessary for harsher environments.
Long-Term Durability:
- IP56 cabinets offer better long-term protection, reducing maintenance and replacement costs in challenging environments.

Summary

IP Rating Standard (IEC 60529): Defines protection against solids (first digit) and liquids (second digit).
IP55: Protects against dust and low-pressure water jets. Suitable for moderate environments.
IP56: Protects against dust and high-pressure water jets. Ideal for harsh environments.
AZE's Outdoor Telecom Cabinets:
- IP55: Cost-effective solution for standard outdoor applications.
- IP56: Enhanced protection for challenging environments like coastal or industrial areas.

By understanding the IP rating standard and the differences between IP55 and IP56, you can make an informed decision when selecting AZE's outdoor telecom cabinets for your specific needs.

IP55 vs. IP56 Explained: Choosing the Right Protection for Outdoor Telecom Cabinets