IP45 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP52
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP45 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP52. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.