IP42 vs IP59K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IP59K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP59K provides dust-protected and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
The IP59K classification guarantees dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP59K
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP59K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IP59K
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IP59K
Yes
Submersible
IP42
No
IP59K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IP59K
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IP59K)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP59K
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP59K provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP59K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP59K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP59K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP59K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP59K offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP59K for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.