IP56 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
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)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP56 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP56 and IP26 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.