IP21 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 8). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with 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
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.