IP16 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 2). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP16
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP16 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP16 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.