IP66 vs IP02
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP02 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 2). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP02 provides no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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).
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP02
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP02
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP02
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP02
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP02
No
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP02)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP66 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP66 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.