IP26 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 3). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP26
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP26 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.