IP64 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
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)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP64
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP64 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP64 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.