IP13 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP14
No
Submersible
IP13
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP13 and IP14 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP14 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP14 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.