IP58 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 2). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP58 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP58 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.