IP21 vs IP29K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP29K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 9K). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP29K provides > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP29K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP29K
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP29K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP29K
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP29K)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP21 and IP29K share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP29K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.