IP45 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Both IP45 and IP15 share the same liquid protection: Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.