Same Day Shipping 

On in-stock orders placed by 3:00pm EST (Monday-Friday)

RoHS & Reach Compliant 1-440-934-0444

Resources
  • About
  • Shipping Info
  • FAQs
  • Learning Center
  • TechTalk Blog
  • Reviews
Contact
  •   Call Us 1-440-934-0444
  •   We're online Live Chat
  •   Contact Us
My Account
  • My Dashboard
  • My Quotes & Custom Parts
  • My Orders
  • My Compare
  • My Project List
  • My Wishlist
  • Sign Out
My Cart
Toggle Nav Polycase Logo Polycase Logo Toggle Nav
Menu
  • Products
    • Enclosure Categories
      • By Material
        • Plastic
          • ABS
          • Polycarbonate
        • Metal
          • Aluminum
            • Diecast Aluminum
            • Extruded Aluminum
          • Steel
            • Stainless Steel
            • Carbon Steel
      • By Application
        • Outdoor
          • Waterproof
          • Electrical
          • Junction Box
          • Pole Mount
        • Indoor
          • Desktop
          • General Use
          • Handheld
          • Key Fob
          • Plug-in
          • Potting Box
          • USB
          • Indoor Waterproof
      • By Design Feature
        • Battery Compartment
        • Clear Cover
        • Din Rail Enclosure
        • Flanged/Surface Mount
        • Hinged Cover
        • Knockout
        • Lockable
        • Low Profile
        • Snap Together
        • Made in USA
      • By Rating
        • NEMA Rated
          • NEMA 1
          • NEMA 2
          • NEMA 3R
          • NEMA 4X
          • NEMA 5
          • NEMA 6P
          • NEMA 12
          • Show All
        • IP Equivalent
          • IP65
          • IP66
          • IP67
          • IP68
        • UL Listed
    • Enclosure Solutions
      Shop American Made
    • Accessory Categories
      • Cable Glands, Plugs & Venting
      • Waterproof NEMA Accessories
      • Panels
      • DIN Rail Kits
      • Pole Mount Kits
      • Screws
      • Potting Box Covers
      • Mounting Kits
      • Misc. Accessories
      • Shop All
  • By Size
  • By Series
    • Menu 1 - Tabs
      • A - E
        • AG
          AG Series
        • AL
          AL Series
        • AN
          AN Series
        • BF
          BF Series
        • BT
          BT Series
        • BX
          BX Series
        • DC
          DC Series
        • EK
          EK Series
        • EX
          EX Series
      • F - M
        • FB
          FB Series
        • GS
          GS Series
        • HD
          HD Series
        • HP
          HP Series
        • ID
          ID Series
        • JB
          JB Series
        • KT
          KT Series
        • LP Series
          LP Series
        • ML Series
          ML Series
      • N - T
        • NX
          NX Series
        • PM Series
          PM Series
        • QS Series
          QS Series
        • RW Series
          RW Series
        • SA Series
          SA Series
        • SB Series
          SB Series
        • SG Series
          SG Series
        • SK Series
          SK Series
        • SL Series
          SL Series
        • SN Series
          SN Series
        • TS Series
          TS Series
        • TX Series
          TX Series
      • U - Z
        • USB Series
          USB Series
        • VK Series
          VK Series
        • VM Series
          VM Series
        • WA Series
          WA Series
        • WC Series
          WC Series
        • WH Series
          WH Series
        • WP Series
          WP Series
        • WQ Series
          WQ Series
        • XR Series
          XR Series
        • ZH Series
          ZH Series
        • ZN Series
          ZN Series
        • ZQ Series
          ZQ Series
      • View All
    • Accessories By Series
      • PCB Mounting Screws
      • PCB Mounting Standoffs
      • Pole Mount Kits
      • DIN Rail Kits
      • Cable Glands and Seals
      • Venting Accessories
      • SHOP ALL
  • Machining & Graphics
    • Menu Item
      • CNC Machining
        CNC Machining
      • Digital Printing
        Graphics
    • Menu Item

      Customize Your Polycase Enclosure

      Instant Quote

  • Customization Quote
Account
Search
Advanced Search
  • My Compare ()
  • <
  • Tech Talk
October 13, 2020

IP65 vs. IP66 Enclosure Ratings

In IP Rated Enclosures
Share

One digit can make a lot of difference. Whether it’s a bank account number, a test score, or a stock price, one changed digit can produce entirely different results. But when it comes to the question of IP65 vs. IP66 electronics enclosures, what difference does the change of one digit signify? 

In many ways, IP65 enclosures and IP66 enclosures are more alike than they are different. But the difference is still present, and it manifests itself in several important ways. In this article, we’ll examine the ways in which IP65 and IP66 enclosures are similar and dissimilar, including the protective qualities that you can expect from each rating. 

engineer screwing equipment in fuse box

Source: Dmitry Kalinovsky/Shutterstock

Introduction to IP Ratings

IP ratings are a system of electrical enclosure ratings based on the IEC 60529 standard that specify the protective qualities of an enclosure. An IP rating is a two-digit number in which each digit represents the level of protection that the enclosure offers against environmental hazards. 

The IP rating system works as follows:

  • First Digit: The first digit specifies the enclosure’s protection against solid ingress (i.e. dust, objects, airborne debris, etc.). 
  • Second Digit: The second digit specifies the enclosure’s protection against water ingress.

Using this system, an enclosure buyer can be confident that their enclosure meets certain protective standards. For more detailed information on the IP rating system, see Polycase's guide to IP ratings. 

The IP65 Rating

IP65 ratings have the following protective qualities: 

  • Completely dust-tight (no ingress of dust, objects or airborne debris permitted)
  • Protected against splashing, falling, or dripping water
  • Protected against hose-directed water, from any direction, using a nozzle of 6.33 mm or smaller at relatively low pressures

IP65 enclosures offer solid and reliable protection, and they’re used for many different indoor and outdoor applications. 

The IP66 Rating

IP66 ratings have the following protective qualities: 

  • Completely dust-tight (no ingress of dust, objects, or airborne debris permitted)
  • Protects against splashing, falling, or dripping water
  • Protects against hose-directed water, from any direction, using a nozzle of 12.5 mm or smaller at higher pressures

IP66 is the highest level of waterproof protection for an IP rated enclosure except for enclosures designed to survive total submersion (such as IP68 enclosures). 

Electrician mounts consumer electric switchboard

Source: Parilov/Shutterstock

IP65 vs. IP66: Which Do You Need?

Which is appropriate for your application, an IP65 or IP66 enclosure? The answer depends on the application that you’ll use the enclosure for. 

Both IP65 and IP66 ratings provide excellent protection against solid ingress from dust, dirt, and debris. The main difference between IP65 and IP66 ratings is their level of protection against liquid ingress. An IP66 enclosure can handle a significantly higher level of pressurized water spray, from larger nozzles and at higher kPa ratings. 

Thus, the main question you should ask when choosing between IP65 and IP66 enclosures is whether your device will encounter jets of high-pressure water. If your device needs protection against high-pressure water jets, an IP66 enclosure is likely the correct choice. But if your device is unlikely to encounter pressurized water spray, considering IP65 enclosures as an option can give you more choices in your search for the right enclosure.

IP65 and IP66 Rated Enclosures

Polycase offers a full selection of enclosures with IP65 and IP66 ratings. Whether you need an IP65 or IP66 enclosure, our selection of electrical and electronics enclosures offers the performance that will keep your devices safe. 

Our most popular IP65 and IP66 rated enclosures include: 

  • Polycase WA Series (IP65): The WA Series offers a cost-effective enclosure solution that’s perfect for indoor applications. Their ABS plastic construction and silicone gasket combine to create reliable IP65 rated protection for your most important devices. 
  • Polycase ML Series (IP65 and IP66): The ML Series are among our leading models of outdoor electrical enclosure and make an excellent choice for a waterproof junction box. These models are made from ultra-durable polycarbonate and offer a clear polycarbonate cover option for easy access to data readouts. 
  • Polycase SG Series (IP65 and IP66): Our SG Series models are rugged polycarbonate outdoor enclosures that come in a wide range of sizes and feature both IP65 and IP66 rated enclosures. Available with many useful optional accessories such as surface mounting panels, cable glands, and more. 
  • Polycase SA Series (IP66): One of our most durable IP66 enclosure series, the SA Series are crafted from 304 stainless steel for unbeatable toughness and corrosion resistance. Their IP66 rating and natural anti-corrosion properties make them an ideal weatherproof enclosure suitable for many different outdoor applications. 
Polycase SA-32 Stainless Steel Enclosure

Polycase SA-32 Stainless Steel Enclosure

Polycase’s enclosure experts are glad to assist if you need more help choosing between IP65 vs. IP66 enclosures. Just call us at 1-800-248-1233 or contact us online for more information. Or, if you’re interested in exploring other enclosure ratings, see our IP65 vs. IP67 enclosure guide or our NEMA 4 vs. IP65 enclosure guide. 

In IP Rated Enclosures
0 Comment

Stay in the Know

We'll send product news and knowledge right to your inbox

Newsletter
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube
  • Products

    • Shop By Category
    • Shop By Size
    • Shop By Series
  • Customization Services

    • Customization Overview
    • CNC Machining
    • Digital Printing
    • Get Instant Quote
  • Resources

      • About
      • Careers
      • Shipping & Returns
      • Terms & Conditions
      • TechTalk Blog
      • Learning Center
      • Reviews
      • FAQS

Contact Us: Real People, Real Service

Toll-Free

1-800-248-1233

International

1-440-934-0444

we're online. chat now.
Polycase Footer Logo
© Polycase 2025 Privacy Policy Disclaimer
Choose sharing option
×
  • Email
  • Url

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. To learn more, go to the Privacy Page.

Close