IP21 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP64
No
Submersible
IP21
No
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP64 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.