IP26 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 9K). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
IP39K is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP26
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP39K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.