IP44 vs IP11
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP11 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP11 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water.
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP11
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP11
No
Submersible
IP44
No
IP11
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP11
No
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP11)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP44 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP44 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.