IP44 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP41
No
Submersible
IP44
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP44 and IP41 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP44 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.