IP66 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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).
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IP61
No
Submersible
IP66
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP66 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP66 and IP61 share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP66 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP66 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.