IP43 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP43
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP43 and IP42 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP43 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.