IP45 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX7 provides no protection 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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP45 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IPX7. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IPX7 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.