IP13 vs IP20
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP20 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP20 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection.
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.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP20
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP20
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP20
No
Submersible
IP13
No
IP20
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP20
No
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP20)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP20 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP13 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP13 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP13 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP13 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.