IP67 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 2). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
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)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP67 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP67 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.