IP13 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
The IP13 rating offers protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
The IP36 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP13
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.