IP18 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (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)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP18 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP18 and IP45 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.