IP09K vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP09K and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 1). IP09K is rated for no protection and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
The IP09K rating offers no protection against solid objects and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
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)
IP09K
0 — No Protection
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP09K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP09K
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP09K
Yes
IP31
No
Submersible
IP09K
Yes
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP09K
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP09K vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP09K
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP09K provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP09K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP09K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP09K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP09K offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP09K for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.