IP21 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP63 provides dust-tight 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.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP63
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP63 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP63 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP63 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.