IP64 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
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)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP64
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP64 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP64 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.