IP36 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 7). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP36
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP36. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP36 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.