IP19K vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 2). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Under IEC 60529, IP19K specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
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)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP19K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.