IP17 vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP66 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP17 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.