IP21 vs IP30
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP30 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP30 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection.
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.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP30
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP30
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP30
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP30
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP30
No
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP30)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP30 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP21 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP21 and IP30 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.