IP15 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 1). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP21
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP21 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP15 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.