IP21 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP21 and IP23 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP23 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.