IP56 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
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)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP31
No
Submersible
IP56
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP56 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP56 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.