IP22 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP45 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.