IP10 vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
IP66 is dust-tight and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). A robust outdoor rating for equipment exposed to heavy rain, storms, or directed high-pressure hosing (but not high-pressure washdown).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP10
No
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP66 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP66 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP66 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.