IP44 vs IP03
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP03 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP03 provides no protection and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP03
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP03
No
Submersible
IP44
No
IP03
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP03
No
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP03)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP44 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP44 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.