IP22 vs IP13
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP13 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP13 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP13
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP13
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP13
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP13
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP13)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP13 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP22 and IP13 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.