IP04 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP04 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP04 and IP31 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.