IP29K vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 6). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
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)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP29K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP36. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP36 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.