IP43 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.