IP21 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
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, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP50
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP21 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP50 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP50 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.