IP60 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP60
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP60 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP31 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP31 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.