IP38 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 2). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP42
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP38 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.