IP40 vs IP13
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP13 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 3). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP13 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP13
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP13
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP13
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP13
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP13)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP13 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3). IP13 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 and IP13 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.