IP21 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP5X provides dust-protected 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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP21 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP5X offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP5X for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.