IP05 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP05 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 1). IP05 is rated for no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
Under IEC 60529, IP05 specifies no protection against solid objects and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
The IP31 rating offers protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP05
0 — No Protection
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP05
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP05
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP05
Yes
IP31
No
Submersible
IP05
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP05
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP05 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP05
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP05 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP05
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP05 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP05 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP05 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP05 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.