IP35 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP35 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP35 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with 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)
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP35
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP35
Yes
IP44
No
Submersible
IP35
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP35
Yes
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP35 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP35 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 and IP44 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.