IP66

IP66 is an IEC 60529 ingress protection rating. The first digit, 6, certifies the enclosure is fully dust-tight. The second digit, 6, confirms protection against powerful, high-pressure water jets from any direction. IP66-rated rugged devices withstand heavy rain, spray, and forceful directional cleaning, making the rating a step up from IP65 in water resistance while sharing the same complete dust seal.This level is widely specified for rugged tablets and sealed industrial keyboards deployed on vehicles, in marine and outdoor environments, and on exposed worksites subject to driving rain or jet-wash cleaning. Choose IP66-rated hardware where high-pressure water exposure is likely but full immersion is not; for temporary submersion, move up to IP67 or IP68.Frequently asked questionsWhat does IP66 protect against?IP66 is an IEC 60529 rating. The first digit, 6, certifies the enclosure is fully dust-tight. The second digit, 6, confirms protection against powerful, high-pressure water jets from any direction. IP66 devices withstand heavy rain, spray and forceful directional cleaning, making the rating a step up from IP65 in water resistance while sharing the same complete dust seal.Is IP66 better than IP65?IP66 offers stronger water protection than IP65. Both are fully dust-tight, but IP65 resists low-pressure water jets while IP66 withstands powerful, high-pressure jets from any direction. IP66 is the better choice where driving rain or jet-wash cleaning is likely. Neither rating, however, certifies immersion; for that, specify IP67 or IP68.Can an IP66 device be submerged in water?No. IP66 certifies protection against high-pressure water jets, not immersion. An IP66 device handles heavy rain, spray and forceful cleaning but is not rated to be placed underwater. For temporary immersion up to one metre, choose IP67; for continuous or deeper immersion, choose IP68, where the depth and duration are defined by the manufacturer.