IP13 vs IP21
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP21 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP21 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and vertically dripping water.
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.
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects., IP21 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 2 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP21
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP21
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP21
No
Submersible
IP13
No
IP21
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP21
No
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP21)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP21
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP21 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP21 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP21
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP21 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP13 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP13 offers higher overall protection than IP21. Choose IP13 for harsher environments; IP21 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.