IP05 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP05 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP05 is rated for no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
Under IEC 60529, IP05 specifies no protection against solid objects and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP05
0 — No Protection
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP05
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP05
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP05
Yes
IP44
No
Submersible
IP05
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP05
Yes
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP05 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP05
Level 0 — No Protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP05 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP05
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP05 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP05 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP05. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP05 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.