IP31 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP31
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP47 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP47 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.