IP26 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP55 provides dust-protected 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.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP26
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP26 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.