IP66 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 8). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP66
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP66 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 and IP48 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.