IP27 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP27 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 and IP36 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.