IP58 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP58 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP58 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.