IP28 vs IP36
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP36 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP36 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP36
No
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP36
Yes
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP36
No
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP36
Yes
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP36)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP36 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP28 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 offers higher overall protection than IP36. Choose IP28 for harsher environments; IP36 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.