IP65 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 1). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP65 is dust-tight and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). It is the most common standard for fully exposed outdoor electronics such as lighting, cameras, and EV chargers.
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)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP31
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP65 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP65 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.