IP34 vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP34
No
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP66 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP66 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.