IP12 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position., IP12 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 1 with liquid level 2.
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)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP45 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.