IP58 vs IP13
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP13 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 3). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP13 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP13
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP13
No
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP13
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP13
No
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP13)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP58 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP58 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.