IP23 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP23 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.