IP26 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
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.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP51
No
Submersible
IP26
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP26 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.