IP56 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP56 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP56 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.