IP26 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IPX5 provides no protection 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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP26
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP26 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IPX5 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
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.