IP31 vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP44
No
Submersible
IP31
No
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP44 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP44 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP44 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.