IP26 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 8). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP26
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP38 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.