IP36 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP36 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5). IP36 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP36
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP36
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP36
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP36
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP36
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP36
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP36 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP36
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP36 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP36
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Both IP36 and IP56 share the same liquid protection: Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP36. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP36 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.