IP23 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP44
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP44 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.