IP21 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects., IP21 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 2 with liquid level 1.
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)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.