IP66 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 8). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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).
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP66
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP38 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)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.