IP42 vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP67 provides dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP42
No
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP67 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP67 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP42. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP42 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.