IP12 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position., IP12 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 1 with liquid level 2.
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)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP26 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP26 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.