IP44 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
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)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP44 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP26 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 and IP26 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.