IP21 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP21 and IP25 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP25 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP25 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.