In this work, the feasibility of a plasma electrolytic carburizing (PEC) treatment on AISI H13 steel using an aqueous solution of C3H5(OH)3, and NaOH was investigated. The substrate samples were biased cathodically to a 20 kW pulsed DC power supply with a variable voltage. The formation of hard carbon‐rich layer on the surface of the treated samples was confirmed by XRD analysis. Metallographic and SEM studies revealed that a uniform and compact nanocrystalline carbon‐rich layer was firmly stuck to the surface of the samples, and no cracks were observed between the carburized layer and the substrate. The coating mechanical performances were evaluated using microhardness tests. The microhardness of the carbon‐rich layer on the substrate was 866 HV, while the hardness of the substrate was 210 HV. Pin‐on‐disk abrasion tests were conducted to evaluate the surface wear resistance. Although all treated samples manifested a magnificent increase in wear resistance, the results showed different resistance in the differently treated samples. The microscopical investigation of the surfaces also showed that the wear mechanism of the tested samples varied by different treatment parameters, especially by the applied frequency. The results also showed that the current pulse frequency significantly influenced both the layer growth kinetics and the coating morphologies.