IP02 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 1). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
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)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP02
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP02 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP31 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP31 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.