IP26 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
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.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP26
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP26 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP26 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.