IP21 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects., IP21 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 2 with liquid level 1.
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)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP45 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.