IP16 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 4). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP44
No
Submersible
IP16
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP16 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.