IP57 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 1). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
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)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP21
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP57 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP57 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.