IP10 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP21
No
Submersible
IP10
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP21 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP21 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP21 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP21 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP21 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.