IP22 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.