IP45 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP32
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP45 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP45 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.