IP26 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP6X provides dust-tight 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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP26
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP26 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP6X 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 IP6X. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.