IP26 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 9K). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP69K provides dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
IP69K is dust-tight and resists high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. The highest IP rating, required for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical washdown environments.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP26
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP69K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.