IP13 vs IP22
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP22 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP22 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP22
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP22
No
Submersible
IP13
No
IP22
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP22
No
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP22)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP13 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP13 and IP22 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.