IP42 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 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.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP42
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP55 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.