IP08 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP08 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP08 is rated for no protection and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP08, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 8.
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)
IP08
0 — No Protection
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP08
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP08
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP08
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP08
Yes
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP08
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP08 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP08
Level 0 — No Protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP08 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP08
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP08 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP08 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP08. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP08 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.