IP21 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects., IP21 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 2 with liquid level 1.
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)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP21 and IP26 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP26 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.