IP11 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP45 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.