IP13 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 9K). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
IP39K is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP13
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP39K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.