IP44 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 4 vs 6). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP46 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP44
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP44 and IP46 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP44. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP44 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.