IP13 vs IP42
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP42 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP42 provides > 1 mm — small wires and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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 IP42, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP42
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP42
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP42
No
Submersible
IP13
No
IP42
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP42
No
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP42)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP42
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP42 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP42 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP42
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP42 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP13 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP42 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP42 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.