IP21 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP21 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX5 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IPX5 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.