IP66 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP66 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0). IP66 is rated for dust-tight and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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).
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP66
6 — Dust-Tight
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP66
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP66
Yes
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP66
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP66
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP66
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP66 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP66 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP66 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP66
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP66 and IPX6 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP66 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP66 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.