IP10 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP10
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP45 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP45 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.