IP21 vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP67 provides dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP67 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP67 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.