IP44 vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 5). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with 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
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP44 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP35 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 and IP35 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.