IP44 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP44
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP44 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP52. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.