IP44 vs IP10
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP10 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 0). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP10 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection.
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.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP10
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP10
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP10
No
Submersible
IP44
No
IP10
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP10
No
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP10)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP44 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP44 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4), while IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP44 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.