IP31 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 8). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP31
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP31 and IP38 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.