IP67 vs IP26
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP26 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP26 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
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)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP26
No
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP26
Yes
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP26
No
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP26
Yes
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP26)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP67 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP67 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP26. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP26 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.