IP31 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 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 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP41
No
Submersible
IP31
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP41 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Both IP31 and IP41 share the same liquid protection: Vertically Dripping Water.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP41 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP41 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.