IP44 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP44 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP44 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
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)
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP44
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP44
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP44
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP44
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP44 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP44 and IP42 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP44 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.