IP21 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 2). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP32
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP32 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP32 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP32 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.