IP21 vs IP27
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP27 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP27 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP27
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP27
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP27
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP27
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP27)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP21 and IP27 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP27 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.