IP45 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP34
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP45 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP45 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.