IP27 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 2). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP27 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.