IP44 vs IP16
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP16 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP16 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP16
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP16
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP16
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP16
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP16)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP44 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.