IP21 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP21 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP21 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water, while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 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.
IP65 is dust-tight and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). It is the most common standard for fully exposed outdoor electronics such as lighting, cameras, and EV chargers.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP21
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP21
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP21
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP21
No
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP21 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP65 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.