IP60 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP21
No
Submersible
IP60
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP60 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP60 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
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.