IP28 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 2). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP28 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP28 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.