IP43 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP21
No
Submersible
IP43
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP43 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP43 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.