IP31 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP31 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 2). IP31 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water, while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP31
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP31
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP31
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP31
No
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP31 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP52 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.