IP00 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP00 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP00 is rated for no protection and no protection, while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP00 offers no protection against solid objects or moisture. It is suitable only for indoor, climate-controlled environments where the equipment is fully enclosed within another protective housing.
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)
IP00
0 — No Protection
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP00
0 — No Protection
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP00
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP00
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP00
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP00
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP00 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP00
Level 0 — No Protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP00 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP00
Level 0 — No Protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP00 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 IP00. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP00 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.