IP67 vs IP45
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP45 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP45 provides > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
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)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP45
No
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP45
Yes
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP45
No
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP45
Yes
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP45)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP67 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP67 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.