IP42 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IP44
No
Submersible
IP42
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP42 and IP44 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP44 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.