IP32 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
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)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP45 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP32 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 IP32. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.