IP17 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP17 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
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP17 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.