IP13 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP13 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP13 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
The IP13 rating offers protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (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)
IP13
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP13
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP13
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP13
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP13
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP13
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP13 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP13
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP13 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP13
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP13 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP13 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP13 and IP31 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.