IP44 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (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
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP44 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP37 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP44. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP44 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.