{"id":29135,"date":"2023-10-10T16:30:53","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T08:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.elstarled.com\/?p=29135"},"modified":"2026-06-04T20:18:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T12:18:35","slug":"ip20-vs-ip44","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.elstarled.com\/fr\/indice-de-protection-ip-pour-les-lampes-a-del\/","title":{"rendered":"IP20 vs IP44: Key Differences for LED Lighting Selection"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Choosing between IP20 and IP44 may look simple at first. However, the right choice changes when the light goes into a real project. A dry shelf, a kitchen cabinet, a bathroom mirror area, a sheltered sign, and an open outdoor run do not face the same water or dust risk. So, the IP rating should be checked with the place of use, water contact, driver position, cable joints, housing, and local rules.<\/p>\n

In this guide, you will see the key difference between IP20 and IP44 for LED lighting. Also, you will see what to share before an RFQ, so the supplier can review the right setup without guessing.<\/p>\n

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IP20 vs IP44<\/strong><\/h2>\n

IP20 and IP44 are\u00a0ingress protection ratings<\/a>. In simple terms, the first digit refers to solid objects, while the second digit refers to water. IP20 has no rated water protection, so it is normally reviewed for dry indoor areas. IP44 adds splash protection; however, it is not waterproof and should not be treated as fit for every outdoor or bathroom area.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

What Do IP20 and IP44 Mean?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An IP rating normally has two digits. First, the solid-object digit shows how well the enclosure blocks objects or dust. Next, the water digit shows how well it blocks fluid or water.\u00a0IEC 60529<\/a>\u00a0is used for this kind of enclosure test, and\u00a0Intertek’s IP testing reference<\/a>\u00a0explains that the code uses one digit for solid objects and one digit for water or fluid.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Rating<\/th>\nFirst Digit<\/th>\nSecond Digit<\/th>\nPlain Meaning<\/th>\nKey Limit<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
IP20<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n0<\/td>\nBlocks finger-sized solid objects, but has no rated water protection.<\/td>\nDo not present it as water-protected.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IP44<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\nBlocks small solid objects and resists splashing water.<\/td>\nDo not present it as waterproof, jet-rated, or immersion-rated.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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IP20 vs IP44 Comparison Table<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Selection Point<\/th>\nIP20<\/th>\nIP44<\/th>\nWhat Buyers Should Notice<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Solid-object rating<\/td>\nBlocks larger solid objects, such as finger-sized access.<\/td>\nBlocks smaller solid objects, often described as greater than 1 mm.<\/td>\nIP44 has a higher solid-object digit.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Water rating<\/td>\nNo rated water protection.<\/td>\nSplashing-water protection.<\/td>\nIP44 gives more water ingress protection than IP20, but it is not waterproof.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common review context<\/td>\nDry indoor areas where water or moisture is not expected.<\/td>\nSplash-prone or sheltered areas where limited water contact may occur.<\/td>\nEven so, the final choice depends on the real site and setup.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Main risk<\/td>\nUsing it where moisture, splashing, cleaning, or steam may occur.<\/td>\nTreating it as fit for direct rain, water jets, washdown, or immersion.<\/td>\nTherefore, the second digit must match the real water risk.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Supplier question<\/td>\nIs this a dry indoor use case with no water contact?<\/td>\nIs splash protection enough, or should a higher rating be reviewed?<\/td>\nBefore RFQ, share the water and dust risk.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

IP44 gives more ingress protection than IP20. However, more protection does not always mean the best choice. For example, a dry indoor display may not need the same enclosure as a splash-prone sign or an outdoor-facing light. As a result, the better choice depends on exposure, site layout, product design, needed papers, and project risk.<\/p>\n

Where IP20 or IP44 May Fit in Lighting Projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Use the table below as a review aid, not as a final code or safety rule. Also, treat each project as its own case.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Environment \/ Condition<\/th>\nIP20 Review<\/th>\nIP44 Review<\/th>\nWhen to Review a Higher Rating<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Dry indoor cabinet, display, shelf, or ceiling area<\/td>\nMay be reviewed if no water or moisture is expected.<\/td>\nMay be more protection than the project needs.<\/td>\nIf dust, cleaning spray, steam, or stray splashing is possible.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kitchen-adjacent or splash-prone indoor area<\/td>\nUse caution because IP20 has no rated water protection.<\/td>\nMay be reviewed where splash risk is limited.<\/td>\nIf water spray, frequent cleaning, steam, or direct wetting is expected.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bathroom or washroom area<\/td>\nUse high caution; do not assume IP20 is acceptable.<\/td>\nMay be discussed for splash-prone areas, but the exact fit depends on location and local rules.<\/td>\nIf the product is near direct spray, shower areas, or wet zones.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sheltered outdoor location<\/td>\nUsually not the first choice if moisture is possible.<\/td>\nMay need review, but should not be assumed outdoor-safe.<\/td>\nIf there is wind-driven rain, exposed joints, UV, heat change, or standing water.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Exposed outdoor, washdown, or direct water contact<\/td>\nNot a water-protection choice.<\/td>\nUsually not enough for water jets, heavy rain, washdown, or immersion review.<\/td>\nReview a higher IP rating and the full product setup.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When IP44 Is Not Enough<\/strong><\/h2>\n

IP44 should not be used as another word for waterproof. Instead, describe it as splash-resistant under the rating definition. Therefore, review a higher rating or a different product design when the project includes:<\/p>\n