IP45 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
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)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP45 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 and IP36 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.