IP66 vs IP11
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP11 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP11 provides > 50 mm — back of hand 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).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP11
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP11
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP11
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP11
No
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP11)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP11 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)
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP11 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 IP11. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.