IP36 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP36
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP36 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP36 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP36 and IPX6 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.