IP42 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 6). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP46 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP42
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP42 and IP46 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.