I installed a couple of IP44-rated low-energy floodlights recently. They were installed on the front and side walls of my house about 10 feet off the ground.
Within three weeks one of them stopped working. On investigation I found both lights had about half a pint of water inside them!
The supplier is taking them back and providing a full refund, but they have said that "IP44-rated fittings are at the lower end of the IP rating system and are not suitable for heavy and extended exposure to rain".
Eh???
I thought IP44 was suitable for external use unless it was a very exposed position (which this is not). I have several IP44-rated bulkhead lights in similar positions that are still in use after many years exposure and show no signs of letting in any water at all, yet these units were a quarter full after a short period during which we have only had a little light rain.!
I thought IP44 provides protection against water spray from any direction, whereas IP45 provides protection against low pressure water jets from any direction.
Is rain to be considered a low-pressure water jet?