IP45 vs IP02
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP02 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP02 provides no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP02
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP02
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP02
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP02
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP02
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP02)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP45 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP45 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.