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IP66 vs IP67 in electrical panels: what are the differences?

17 November 2025
IP66 vs IP67 in electrical panels: what are the differences?

There is often talk of the importance of complete protection from water and dust, especially in sectors where hygiene, safety and cleanliness are fundamental requirements — such as in food & beverage, pharmaceuticals or harsh industrial environments, where an electrical panel can even be submerged.

During the design phase, it is therefore essential to communicate environmental requirements accurately, especially when a high IP protection rating is required.

But when it comes to IP66 and IP67, do you really know the difference and how these requirements can impact the performance and cost of your system?

What is IP

The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is based on the international standard IEC 60529. This standard aims to classify as objectively as possible how well an electrical enclosure prevents the ingress of solids, dust (first digit) and liquids (second digit) in order to provide greater assurance of its effectiveness as an enclosure.

Want to learn more? 

Read the dedicated article

 

IP66 electrical enclosure:
features and applications

Sealing level

Total protection against dust.
Protection against powerful water jets from all directions.

Advantages and limitations

The IP66 rating is among the most common in electrical enclosures for industrial machinery.
It offers high durability and resistance to frequent washing, making it more economical and perfectly suited to many production contexts.

Use cases

Ideal in environments where cleaning and sanitisation are daily, such as in the food industry.
For example, in meat working departments, IP66 electrical enclosures withstand high-flow washing without compromising electrical safety.

IP67 electrical enclosure:
features and applications

Sealing level
  • Total protection against dust X IP66).
  • Protection against temporary immersion in water (up to 1 m for 30 minutes).
Advantages and limitations

The IP67 rating allows operation in extreme conditions: areas subject to heavy rain and consequent short-term flooding or standing water.
Compared to IP66, it requires more careful design to ensure complete waterproofing.

Use cases

Perfect for marine or coastal environments, such as piers and docks.
In these cases, in addition to the IP67 rating, 316L stainless steel is often used, which offers greater resistance to salt corrosion thanks to molybdenum.

 

How to choose the right protection rating for your electrical enclosure.​

Choosing the right protection rating for your electrical enclosure is not just a technical matter: it is a decision that affects the safety, reliability and durability of your system.

Here are the main criteria to consider:

Environmental factors

Will the enclosure be installed indoors or outdoors? Is there a risk of water splashes or immersion?

Safety and maintenance standards

Will it be subjected to frequent washing or corrosive agents? Is periodic maintenance required?

 

Conclusions

Choosing the right enclosure for your electrical enclosure depends not only on the IP rating, but also on the technical partner who supports you throughout the project.
At IRINOX, we transform the needs of your environment into real, certified solutions, designing high-performance electrical enclosures for all conditions of use.
Still unsure which IP rating is best suited to your system? Contact us now!

Request a personalised consultation