IP08 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP08 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 4). IP08 is rated for no protection and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
Built to withstand no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP08, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 8.
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)
IP08
0 — No Protection
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP08
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP08
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP08
Yes
IP44
No
Submersible
IP08
Yes
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP08
Yes
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP08 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP08
Level 0 — No Protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP08 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP08
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP08 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP08 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP08 and IP44 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.