IP29K vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 2). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP29K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.