IP13 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP13
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP25 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP25 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP25 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.