IP39K vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 2). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP39K is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 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)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP39K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.