IP26 vs IP27
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP27 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 6 vs 7). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP27 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP27
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP27
Yes
Submersible
IP26
No
IP27
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP27
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP27)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP26 and IP27 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP27 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.