IP19K vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 1). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
Under IEC 60529, IP19K specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
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)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP21
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP21 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP19K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.