IP10 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
With IP42, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP10
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP42 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP42 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.