IP10 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP10
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP10 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 IP10. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.