IP21 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP46 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP46 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP46 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP46 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.