IP26 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP61
No
Submersible
IP26
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP26 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.