IP42 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX7 provides no protection 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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP42
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP42 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX7 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IPX7 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.