IP03 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
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)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP03 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP31 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP31 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.