IP45 vs IP11
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP11 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 1). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP11 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water.
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 protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP11
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP11
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP11
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP11
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP11)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP45 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.