IP21 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 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
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP34
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP34 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP34 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.