IP66 vs IP30
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP30 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP30 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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).
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP30
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP30
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP30
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP30
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP30
No
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP30)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP66 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP66 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP30. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP30 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.