IP13 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX4 provides no protection 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.
IPX4 (solid protection not specified) resists splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for bathroom and outdoor-covered appliances where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP13
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX4 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP13 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX4 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IPX4 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP13 and IPX4 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.