IP13 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP13
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP13 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP13 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX5 offers higher overall protection than IP13. Choose IPX5 for harsher environments; IP13 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.