IP22 vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP66 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP66 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.