IP36 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 9K). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP36
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP49K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP36. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP36 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.