IP23 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.