IP45 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 6). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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, IP46 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP45 and IP46 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.