IP42 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP42 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP42 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP42
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP42
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP42
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP42
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP42 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP42 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.