IP24 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP24 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP24 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and splashing water (all directions), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP24
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP24
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP24
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP24
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP24 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP24 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP24 and IP42 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.