IP65 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP65 is dust-tight and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). It is the most common standard for fully exposed outdoor electronics such as lighting, cameras, and EV chargers.
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)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP65
No
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP65 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP65 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
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.