IP19K vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 1). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
Under IEC 60529, IP19K specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm 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 1 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)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP31
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP19K 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
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP19K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.