IP68 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP68 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 2). IP68 is rated for dust-tight and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP68 is dust-tight and protects against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (typically deeper than 1 meter for prolonged periods). The standard for submersible and marine 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)
IP68
6 — Dust-Tight
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP68
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP68
Yes
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP68
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP68
Yes
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP68
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP68 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP68
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP68 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP68 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP68
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP68 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP68 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP68 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP68 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.