IP48 vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
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)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP66 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP48 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 and IP66 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.