IP04 vs IP13
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP13 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP13 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°).
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
The IP13 rating offers protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP13
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP13
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP13
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP13
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP13)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP13 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP04 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP04 and IP13 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.