IP58 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP58 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP58 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP36. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP36 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.