IP05 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP05 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP05 is rated for no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Under IEC 60529, IP05 specifies no protection against solid objects and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP05
0 — No Protection
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP05
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP05
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP05
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP05
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP05
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP05 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP05
Level 0 — No Protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP05 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP05
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP05 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP05 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 offers higher overall protection than IP05. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP05 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.