IP03 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
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)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP03 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.