IP24 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP24 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP24 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and splashing water (all directions), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP24
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP24
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP24
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP24
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP24 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP24 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP24 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP24 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.