IP69K vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP69K and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 1). IP69K is rated for dust-tight and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP69K is dust-tight and resists high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. The highest IP rating, required for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical washdown environments.
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)
IP69K
6 — Dust-Tight
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP69K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP69K
Yes
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP69K
Yes
IP31
No
Submersible
IP69K
Yes
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP69K
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP69K vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP69K
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP69K provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP69K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP69K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP69K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP69K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP69K offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP69K for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.