IP5X vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP5X and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP5X is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
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)
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP5X
Limited
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP5X
No
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP5X
No
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP5X
No
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP5X vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP66 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP5X 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 IP5X. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.