IP44 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 5). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP55 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP44. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP44 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.