IP45 vs IP13
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP13 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP13 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
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)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP13
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP13
No
Submersible
IP45
No
IP13
No
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP13
No
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP13)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP45 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP45 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP45 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP45 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.