IP26 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP26
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP26 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.