IP49K vs IP66
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IP66 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 6). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP66 provides dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
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)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IP66
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IP66
Yes
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IP66
No
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IP66
Yes
The exact difference (IP49K vs IP66)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP66 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP49K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP66. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP66 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.