IP45 vs IP54
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP54 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP54 provides dust-protected and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP54 is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and resists splashing water from any direction. A versatile rating for industrial and outdoor-covered equipment in dusty, damp environments.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP54
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP54
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP54
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP54
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP54
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP54
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP54)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP54
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP54 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP54 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP54
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP54 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP45 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP45 and IP54 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.