IP21 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP43
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP43 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.