IP30 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP30 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP30 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection, while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP30
0 — No Protection
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP30
No
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP30
No
IP21
No
Submersible
IP30
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP30
No
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP30 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP30 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP21 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP21 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP30 and IP21 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.