IP10 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP10
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP26 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP26 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP26 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.