IP44 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP44
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP44 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.