IP21 vs IP69K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP69K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 9K). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP69K provides dust-tight 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.
IP69K is dust-tight and resists high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. The highest IP rating, required for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical washdown environments.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP69K
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP69K
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP69K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP69K
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP69K)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP69K is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP69K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.