IP11 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Both IP11 and IP31 share the same liquid protection: Vertically Dripping Water.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP31 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP31 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.