IP26 vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP26
No
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP35 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP35 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 and IP35 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.