IP60 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP60
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP60 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP36 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP36 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP60. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.