IP66 vs IP01
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP01 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP01 provides no protection and vertically dripping water.
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).
IP01 provides no protection against solid objects 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 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP01
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP01
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP01
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP01
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP01
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP01
No
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP01)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP01
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP01 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP66 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP01
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP01 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP66 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP01. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP01 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.