IP26 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP26 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 2). IP26 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP26, it pairs solid level 2 with 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)
IP26
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP26
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP26
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP26
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP26
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP26
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP26 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP26
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP26 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP26
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP26 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP26 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP26 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP26 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.