IP20 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
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)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP20
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP31 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP31 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP31 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP31 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.