IP23 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP45 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.