IP20 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
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)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP20 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.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.