IP15 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Both IP15 and IP45 share the same liquid protection: Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.