IP36 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP65 is dust-tight and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). It is the most common standard for fully exposed outdoor electronics such as lighting, cameras, and EV chargers.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP36
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP36. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP36 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.