IP45 vs IP16
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP16 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP16 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP16
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP16
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP16
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP16
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP16)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.