IP03 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP26, it pairs solid level 2 with liquid level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP26 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP26 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.