IP41 vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
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)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP41
No
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP66 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP66 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.