IP22 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 1). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP22 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP22 and IP31 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.