IP41 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (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)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP44
No
Submersible
IP41
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP41 and IP44 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP41 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 IP41. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.