IP22 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP22 and IP26 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP26 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.