IP21 vs IP59K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP59K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 9K). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP59K provides dust-protected and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
The IP59K classification guarantees dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP59K
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP59K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP59K
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP59K
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP59K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP59K
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP59K)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP59K
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP59K provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP59K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP59K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP59K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP59K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP59K offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP59K for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.