IP36 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 3). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP36
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP36 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.