IP42 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP42
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP42 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP42 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP42 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 and IP6X offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.