IP13 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP44
No
Submersible
IP13
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP44 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.