IP60 vs IP13
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP13 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 3). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP13 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP13
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP13
No
Submersible
IP60
No
IP13
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP13
No
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP13)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP60 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP60 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
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.