IP31 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 9K). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with 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
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP31
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP49K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.