IP36 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP41
No
Submersible
IP36
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP41 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP36 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.