IP26 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP26
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP26 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP26 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP5X. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.