IP31 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 9K). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
IP39K is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP31
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP31 and IP39K share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.