IP45 vs IP29K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP29K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 9K). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP29K provides > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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 IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP29K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP29K
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP29K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP29K
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP29K)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP45 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP29K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.