IP17 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP44
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP17 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 and IP44 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.