IP26 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP46 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 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.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP26
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP26 and IP46 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.