IP42 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP42
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP42 and IP47 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP47 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.