IP66 vs IP08
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP08 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 8). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP08 provides no protection and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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).
Built to withstand no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP08, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP08
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP08
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP08
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP08
Yes
Submersible
IP66
No
IP08
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP08
Yes
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP08)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP08
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP08 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP66 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP08
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP08 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP08 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP08. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP08 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.