IP04 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP21
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP21 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP04 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP04 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP04 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.