IP45 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP57 provides dust-protected 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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.