IP55 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 1). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
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)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP21
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP55 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP55 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.