IP41 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 2). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
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)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP41
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP41 and IP42 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP42 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.