IP Ratings Explained: What IP55, IP56, and IP65 Mean for Motors
Introduction
In industrial environments, electric motors face exposure to dust, water, and debris. Understanding IP ratings—short for Ingress Protection—is essential when choosing the right motor for your application.
In this guide, we’ll break down what IP55, IP56, and IP65 mean, how these ratings protect your motor, and when to choose each.
What is an IP Rating?
An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is an international standard (IEC 60529) that defines how effectively electrical enclosures resist intrusion from solids and liquids. It’s a two-digit number:
First digit: Protection against solid objects (like dust)
Second digit: Protection against liquids (like water)
| IP Rating | Solid Protection | Liquid Protection |
|---|---|---|
| IP55 | Limited dust ingress | Water jets from any direction |
| IP56 | Limited dust ingress | Powerful water jets |
| IP65 | Complete dust-tight | Low-pressure water jets from any angle |
What Does IP55 Mean?
First 5: Partial protection against dust (enough to prevent motor damage).
Second 5: Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction.
Use Case: Indoor/outdoor motors where occasional water spray or dust is present.
What Does IP56 Mean?
First 5: Same dust protection as IP55.
Second 6: Protected against powerful water jets (e.g., from hose or washdown).
Use Case: Food & beverage, washdown areas, outdoor installations.
What Does IP65 Mean?
First 6: Fully dust-tight enclosure.
Second 5: Resistant to low-pressure water jets.
Use Case: Dust-heavy areas like cement plants, mining, and agriculture.
IP Rating Comparison Table
| Feature | IP55 | IP56 | IP65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dust Protection | Partial (5) | Partial (5) | Complete (6) |
| Water Protection | Water jets (5) | Powerful jets (6) | Water jets (5) |
| Typical Environment | Light spray/dust | Washdown/high-pressure | Dusty/outdoor |
| Motor Example | HVAC units | Food processing motors | Conveyor motors |
Why IP Rating Matters for ABB NEMA Motors
ABB’s NEMA motors come in a wide range of IP ratings. Choosing the right enclosure rating ensures:
Longer motor life
Reduced maintenance
Improved reliability in harsh environments
Whether you're specifying a motor for a sawmill, wastewater facility, or grain elevator, understanding the IP rating helps ensure optimal performance.
Selecting the Right IP Rating
Ask these questions:
Will the motor face direct water spray or washdowns?
Is the environment dusty or full of particulate matter?
Is the motor installed outdoors or near hoses?
If the answer is yes to water pressure or dust, IP56 or IP65 is likely the better option.
Match Your Motor to Your Environment
ABB’s robust motor enclosures make it easy to find a motor with the correct IP rating. If you need help selecting the right motor for your application, reach out to Industrial Gearbox Supply—we’ll help you find the best match.
📞 (517) 858-2966
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