IP55 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
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)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP55 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.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.