IP21 vs IP60
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP60 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP60 provides dust-tight 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.
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP60
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP60
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP60
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP60
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP60
No
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP60)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP60 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP21 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP21 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.