IP66 vs IP24
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP24 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP24 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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).
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm 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 2 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
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP24
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP24
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP24
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP24
Yes
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP24)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP66 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP66 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP24. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP24 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.