IP44 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP44
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP44 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP44 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.