IP11 vs IP13
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP13 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP13 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP13
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP13
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP13
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP13
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP13)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP11 and IP13 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP13 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP13 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP13 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.