IP45 vs IP10
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP10 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP10 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection.
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.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP10
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP10
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP10
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP10
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP10
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP10)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP45 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP45 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.