IP54 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP54 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP54 is rated for dust-protected and splashing water (all directions), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP54 is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and resists splashing water from any direction. A versatile rating for industrial and outdoor-covered equipment in dusty, damp environments.
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)
IP54
5 — Dust-Protected
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP54
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP54
Limited
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP54
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP54
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP54
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP54 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP54
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP54 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP54 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP54
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP54 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.
Recommendation
IP54 and IP36 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.