IP40 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP36 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP36 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.