IP11 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP44
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP44 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.