IP40 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP26 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP26 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.