IP66 vs IP04
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP04 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP04 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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).
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP04
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP04
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP04
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP04
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP04
Yes
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP04)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP66 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP66 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.