IP36 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 2). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP52
No
Submersible
IP36
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP36 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP36 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP36 offers higher overall protection than IP52. Choose IP36 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.