IP31 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP34
No
Submersible
IP31
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP31 and IP34 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP34 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.