IP45 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
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)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP45 and IP42 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP45 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.