IP22 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Both IP22 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 IP22. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.