IP44 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 5). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP44 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP15 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.