IP21 vs IP24
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP24 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP24 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and splashing water (all directions).
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.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP24
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP24
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP24
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP24
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP24)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP21 and IP24 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP24 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP24 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP24 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.