IP45 vs IP03
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP03 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP03 provides no protection and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP03
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP03
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP03
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP03
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP03)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP45 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP45 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.