IP17 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 1). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP31
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP17 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
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP17 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.