IP06 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
With IP06, an enclosure receives no protection against solid objects and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
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)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP44
No
Submersible
IP06
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP06 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP06. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP06 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.