IP57 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). 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.