IP31 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP43
No
Submersible
IP31
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP43 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.