IP13 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP13
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP13 and IP15 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP15 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.