IP34 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP34
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP34 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.