IP37 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (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)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP37 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.