IP36 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
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.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP36
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP36 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP36 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.