IP61 vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP61 and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP61 is rated for dust-tight and vertically dripping water, while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) 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 6 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)
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP61
Yes
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP61
No
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP61
No
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP61
No
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP61 vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP61 and IP66 share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP61 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 IP61. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.