IP13 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP55 provides dust-protected 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.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP13
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP55 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.