IP06 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
With IP06, an enclosure receives no protection against solid objects and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
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)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP06
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP06 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP06. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP06 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.