IP29K vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 1). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP31
No
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP31 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP29K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.