IP21 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 8). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP38 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.