IP26 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP44
No
Submersible
IP26
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP26 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 and IP44 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.