IP42 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP42
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP42 and IP49K share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.