IP27 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP27 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 and IP45 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.