IP26 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 2). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP32
No
Submersible
IP26
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP26 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.