IP66 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP50 provides dust-protected 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).
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP66 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP66 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.