IP45 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP64 provides dust-tight 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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP64
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP45 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.