IP12 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position., IP12 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 1 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)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Both IP12 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 IP12. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.