IP02 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
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)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP02
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Both IP02 and IP42 share the same liquid protection: Dripping Water at 15° Tilt.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.