IP02 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 1). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects., IP21 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 2 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP21
No
Submersible
IP02
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP21 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP02 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP21 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP21 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.