IP13 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
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.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP13
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP13 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP13 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP13 and IP40 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.