IP29K vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 5). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
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)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP29K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.