IP45 vs IP62
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP62 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP62 provides dust-tight and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP62, it pairs solid level 6 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP62
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP62
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP62
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP62
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP62
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP62
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP62)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP62
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP62 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP62 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP62
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP62 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP45 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP62. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP62 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.