IP45 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP14
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP45 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.