IP45 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP17 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.