IP40 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP40 and IP42 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP42 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP42 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.