IP66 vs IP10
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP10 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP10 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection.
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).
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP10
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP10
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP10
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP10
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP10
No
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP10)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP66 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP66 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.