IP45 vs IP53
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP53 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP53 provides dust-protected and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Built to withstand dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP53, it pairs solid level 5 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP53
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP53
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP53
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP53
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP53
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP53
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP53)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP53
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP53 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP53 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP53
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP53 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP45 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP53. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP53 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.