IP44 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
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)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP44 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP44. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP44 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.