IP41 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (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)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP41
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP41 and IP45 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP41 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
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.