IP45 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (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
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP45 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP37 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.