IP44 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP44 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP17 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 and IP17 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.