IP36 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) 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 IP50 provides dust-protected 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP36
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP36 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP50 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 IP50. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.