IP56 vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
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)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP66 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP56 and IP66 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP56. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP56 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.