IP55 vs IP13
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP13 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP13 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
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)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP13
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP13
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP13
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP13
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP13)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP55 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP55 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.