IP55 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
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)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP55 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP55 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.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP36. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP36 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.