IP33 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP33
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP33 and IP31 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP33 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP33 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.