IP36 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP36
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP36 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 and IP45 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.