IP21 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP56 provides dust-protected 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.
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP56 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.