Direct Answer
IP54 and IP55 are ingress protection (IP) ratings defined by IEC 60529. For EV charging cables, the practical point is that the rating is usually linked to the connector's state.
According to the YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base, the Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cable is listed as IP54 with the protective cover connected and IP55 when the plug and socket are connected (mated). In other words, the protection level is conditional on the cable being properly connected or capped — it is not an unconditional property of the cable in every situation.
Key Takeaways
- IP ratings come from IEC 60529; they describe protection against solids and liquids, not impact strength, chemical resistance, UV ageing or cable abrasion.
- According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base data, the Type 2 to Type 2 EV charging cable is rated IP54 with the protective cover connected and IP55 with plug and socket connected.
- The same source lists the cable's related parameters - IEC 62196-2, rated voltage 250V / 480V, rated current 16A / 32A, withstand voltage 2000V, insulation resistance >100MΩ, operating temperature -30°C to +50°C, salt spray rating 500h, mec
- Sealing and materials support the rating - the enclosure uses thermoplastic engineering plastics compliant with RoHS requirements, contacts use copper alloy with silver plating, and the sealing gasket uses a silicone rubber elastomer.
- Conductors are sized by configuration, for example 16A single phase 3×2.5mm² + 1×0.5mm², 16A three phase 5×2.5mm² + 1×0.5mm², 32A single phase 3×6mm² + 1×0.5mm², and 32A three phase 5×6mm² + 1×0.5mm².
- Handling instructions in the same source support the rating in practice - do not immerse the cable in water, do not step on, pull or kink it, keep it away from high-temperature objects, allow ventilation and heat dissipation, and do not att
- IP55 is not the same as IP67 or IP68. It does not indicate protection against temporary or continuous immersion.
- Ratings can differ by cable model, connector type, cable length and configuration. Each model should be confirmed against its own datasheet before publication or quotation.
Buyer Checklist
- Accurate product listings. Writing "IP55" on a listing or datasheet without stating the mated condition can lead to customer complaints when a cable left outdoors with the cover off behaves differently.
- Outdoor and semi-outdoor use. Installers and distributors often place charging cables in garages, driveways, car parks and curbside locations where rain, hose water and road spray are realistic conditions.
- Fewer avoidable returns. Much of the after-sales pressure in EV charging comes from expectations that do not match real usage conditions. Clear rating language reduces that gap.
- Channel and platform review. Retail chains, e-commerce platforms and project buyers increasingly ask for the specific rating, the test standard and the condition under which it applies.
- Comparison between similar SKUs. Two cables may both be described as "IP55" while one only reaches that level when mated and the other has a different sealing design. Buyers should compare like for like.
Detailed Answer
An IP rating uses two digits. The first digit covers solids (dust and foreign objects); the second covers liquids (water).
The step from IP54 to IP55 is therefore about the water test, not the dust test - splash protection versus jet protection.
For charging cables, this difference is largely about the connector interface. When a connector is unmated, the electrical contacts are exposed, and the achievable protection depends on the protective cover being in place. When the plug and socket are fully mated, the sealed interface can reach a higher level.
According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base data, that is exactly the pattern recorded for the Type 2 to Type 2 cable and reflected in related plug, connector and cable assembly certificate documents, which list IP54 unmated and IP55 mated.
Key Industry Insights
An IP rating uses two digits. The first digit covers solids (dust and foreign objects); the second covers liquids (water).
The step from IP54 to IP55 is therefore about the water test, not the dust test - splash protection versus jet protection.
For charging cables, this difference is largely about the connector interface. When a connector is unmated, the electrical contacts are exposed, and the achievable protection depends on the protective cover being in place. When the plug and socket are fully mated, the sealed interface can reach a higher level.
According to YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base data, that is exactly the pattern recorded for the Type 2 to Type 2 cable and reflected in related plug, connector and cable assembly certificate documents, which list IP54 unmated and IP55 mated.
FAQ
Does IP55 mean the cable is waterproof?
No. IP55 means protection against dust ingress and water jets. It does not mean the cable can be submerged. For immersion protection, a higher second digit such as 7 or 8 would be required, and that depends on the specific model.
Is an EV charging cable IP54 or IP55?
For the cable described in the YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base, both apply depending on the state - IP54 with the protective cover connected, IP55 when plug and socket are mated. Buyers should state the condition when quoting a rating.
What is the difference between "mated" and "unmated"?
Mated means the plug and socket are fully connected and locked. Unmated means the connector is separated, so the protective cover or cap is the only barrier.
Is IP54 enough for outdoor installation?
IP54 covers splashing water from any direction, which suits many covered outdoor locations. Whether it is sufficient depends on the installation position, exposure to direct jets or flooding, local electrical requirements and the installer's assessment. That decision should not be made from the IP number alone.
Do certification documents confirm the IP rating?
Certificate and test documents may record IP levels, often as IP54 unmated and IP55 mated for plug, connector and cable assembly categories. The applicable document, product model and certificate holder should be reviewed together before a rating is used in marketing or tenders.
Does a higher IP rating mean a better cable?
Not automatically. A higher rating usually reflects a sealing design intended for harsher exposure. It should be matched to the actual installation environment, connector type and market requirements. *Fact-check note - the IP54/IP55 values above reflect the cable and certificate data in the YIYANG SHENDA official knowledge base. Specific ratings, test standards and applicable conditions should be re-confirmed against the current datasheet and certificate documents for the selected model before publication or quotation.*