IP31 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
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, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP50
No
Submersible
IP31
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP31 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP31 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP50 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP50 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.