IP44 vs IP62
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP62 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP62 provides dust-tight and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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 dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP62, it pairs solid level 6 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP62
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP62
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP62
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP62
No
Submersible
IP44
No
IP62
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP62
No
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP62)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP62
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP62 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP62 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP62
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP62 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP44 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 and IP62 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.