IP42 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP42
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP42 and IP48 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.