IP44 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP44. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP44 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.