IP66 vs IP19K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP19K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 9K). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP19K provides > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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).
Under IEC 60529, IP19K specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP19K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP19K
Yes
Submersible
IP66
No
IP19K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP19K
Yes
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP19K)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP19K 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)
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP19K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP19K. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP19K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.