IP21 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP21 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX6 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IPX6 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.