IP31 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP31
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP31 and IP37 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP37 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.