IP44

IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is a rating that describes the protection a fitting has from intrusion of Solid and Liquid material.

The letters IP are always followed by 2 numbers, the first refers to intrusion by solids (1-6) and the second refers to intrusion by liquids (1-8).

For example, a rating of IP44 would be perfect for under an eave where an exterior fitting may get exposed to splashes of rain but not totally exposed to the elements. Whereas an IP68 rating would allow the fitting to be submerged into water, e.g. a pond light.


The chart below gives a detailed overview of what each of the numbers represents:

 
Solids (1st number) 
Liquids (2nd number)
0No Protection0No Protection
1Protected against objects > 50mm (hands)1Protection against dripping water or condensation
2Protected against objects > 12mm (fingers)2Protection against water spray 15 degrees from vertical
3Protected against objects > 2.5mm (tools/wires)3Protection against water spray 60 degrees from vertical
4Protected against objects > 1mm (small tools)4Protection against water spray from all directions
5Protected against dust, limited ingress5Protection against low-pressure jets of water
6Totally protected against dust6Protected against high pressure water jets and heavy seas
7Totally protected against dust7Protection against the effects of immersion (6 inches to 3.3 feet)
8Totally protected against dust8Protected against immersion