IP13 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment 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
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP13
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP13 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IPX6 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX6 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IPX6 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.