IP17 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP17 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.