IP33 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP33 and IP36 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP33. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.