IP66 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 3). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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).
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP66 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP66 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.