IP45 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 1). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP41
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP45 and IP41 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP45 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.