IP45 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP63 provides dust-tight 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.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (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
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP63
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP45 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 and IP63 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.