IP01 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP01 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 2). IP01 is rated for no protection and vertically dripping water, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP01 provides no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
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)
IP01
0 — No Protection
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP01
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP01
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP01
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP01
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP01
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP01 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP01
Level 0 — No Protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP01 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP01
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP01 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP42 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 offers higher overall protection than IP01. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP01 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.