IP25 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP25 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP25 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP25
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP25
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP25
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP25
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP25 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP25. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP25 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.