IP16 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP21
No
Submersible
IP16
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP21 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP16 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP16 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.