IP32 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
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)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP32 and IP36 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.