IP44 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP44 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.