IP32 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
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)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP44
No
Submersible
IP32
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP44 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.