IP45 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
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)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP45 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP26 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.