IP18 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP18 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
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP18 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP18 and IP36 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.