IP13 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP13
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP13 and IP17 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP17 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.