IP57 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 1). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow 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)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP31
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP57 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.