IP21 vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP35 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP35 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP35 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.